Postpartum social support experience while "doing the month" in Taiwanese women

The aim of this investigation was to explore the social support experience while "doing the month" in Taiwanese women. A convenience sample of one hundred and eighty-six Taiwanese primiparas was recruited during the fourth week after giving birth. The Postpartum Social Support Questionnaire (PSSQ) was used to measure the degree of postpartum social support. The results showed that postpartum women would like themselves and their babies to be close to their husbands and their own parents while "doing the month". The level of social support depended on where postpartum women stayed and the key person who looked after them. The ritual of "doing the month" may provide valuable social support for Taiwanese postpartum women. However, the support while "doing the month" needs to be evaluated by postpartum women. It seems that an alternative concept of rite considering the individual expectations of postpartum women is needed.