PERSONAL EXPERIENCES OF POSTPARTUM WOMEN ABOUT POSTPARTUM CARE IN THE HOME RECOVERY PROCESS

Abstract

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/yc.v9i17.0695

Abstract

Maternal morbidity and mortality during or after pregnancy is one of the main problems for the WHO, since it has become more prevalent over the years. Among the main causes are hemorrhage, hypertension and postpartum infection based on various etiologies such as poor skin care, inadequate diets and faulty management at home, which can be prevented by controls during and after pregnancy, accompanied by education and recognition of warning signs. Objective: To inquire about the personal experiences of postpartum women regarding postpartum care in the home recovery process. Methodology: Qualitative and phenomenological research with an exploratory design, collecting personal experiences by non-probabilistic snowball sampling through a semi-structured interview with 9 postpartum women from the Ambato canton with whom the information saturation was reached. Results: Several positive perspectives were obtained in relation to the quality of care, but also an imbalance between good practices carried out and adapted to the tradition and accessibility in the company and support of family networks versus a lack of education and lack of understanding at the time of discharge, which generated concern and uncertainty. Conclusion: It is essential to address postpartum care as an activity of utmost relevance, since the deficiency in education and lack of communication at the time of hospital discharge generates ignorance, concern and uncertainty compromising maternal health, leading this to adapt various traditional or cultural activities that are not always effective or give optimal results.

Keywords: Self-care, postpartum period, infections, obstetric violence, hemorrhage.