First-time parents' perception of midwives' and other healthcare professionals' support behaviours: A qualitative study

Abstract

Problem: Parents often report not being satisfied with the support received from midwives and nurses during their postpartum hospital stay.

Background: Social support is an important protective factor during the transition to parenthood. However, little is known on how first-time parents perceived the behaviours demonstrated by healthcare professionals to support them.

Objective: To describe social support behaviours of midwives and nurses as perceived by first-time parents during the early postpartum period.

Methods: This qualitative study used individual semi-structured interviews to collect data. A purposeful sample of first-time parents staying on the postpartum ward of a Swiss university hospital were included. Thematic analysis was performed to identify themes and sub-themes.

Findings: A total of 26 parents (15 mothers and 11 fathers) were interviewed. Parents reported behaviours perceived either as positive or negative. These behaviours were summarized into five themes: "Welcoming parents on the postpartum ward", "Establishing a partnership with parents", "Guiding parents in acquiring their new parenting role", "Caring for parent's emotions", and "Creating a peaceful environment".

Discussion and conclusion: This study reported a wide variety of professional support behaviours. Behaviours promoting individualised care and related to empowering parents in their infant care were perceived as helpful by parents. Midwives and nurses should be aware of the way they provide support, as this shapes the early postpartum experience of first-time parents. Being sufficiently staffed and being well-trained, especially in providing interpersonal support, could help midwives and nurses provide better sensitive individualised care.

Keywords: Behaviours; Early postpartum; Fathers; Formal social support; Mothers; Qualitative.