To build a bridge between two worlds: Mothers' experiences of professional support at the maternity ward

Stina Thorstensson1, Anna Andersson2, Sofie Israelsson3

  • 1a School of Health and Education, University of Skövde , Skövde , Sweden.

We studied the experience of professional support among first-time mothers in relation to a scale measuring professional support in maternity care. We used a qualitative study with both an inductive and deductive approach and interviewed nine mothers. Our findings, both inductive and deductive, suggest that first-time mothers expect professional support in their transition into motherhood, building a bridge between two worlds. The first meeting, acknowledging individual needs, and supporting partner participation were important for good support. Maternity care should be organized with a focus on availability and professional support for mothers and the increased participation of their partners. Our scale of measurement can be useful but needs some development.

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