Anxieties of Postpartum Women Regarding the Transition from Hospital to Home: A Qualitative Study

6. Uluslararası ve 7. Ulusal Doğum Sonu Bakım Kongresi, Niğde, Türkiye, 17 - 20 Eylül 2026, ss.1, (Özet Bildiri)

Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
Basıldığı Şehir: Niğde
Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1
Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objective: This study aimed to explore in depth the experiences of women planned for discharge during the postpartum period regarding the transition from hospital to home.

Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Service of a university hospital between February and April 2026. The study sample consisted of 15 postpartum women who were selected using purposive sampling and were planned for discharge. Women who had undergone cesarean delivery at term (between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation), were primiparous, had no health problems themselves or in their infants, had no communication barriers, and volunteered to participate in the study were included. Data were collected through in-depth interviews conducted in the women’s rooms before discharge using the “Descriptive Information Form” and “Semi-Structured Interview Form” developed by the researchers. An audio recorder was used during the interviews, and the interviews were recorded with the participants’ consent. Semi-structured questions were asked to each mother, and the interviews lasted approximately 30–45 minutes. The data were analyzed using content analysis. The transcription and coding of the interview recordings were conducted by the researchers themselves, and independent coding was performed by two expert researchers to ensure the reliability and consistency of the data. Ethical committee approval (25.12.2025-E.1420412) and institutional permission (E-87959173-199-1462489) were obtained before the study commenced.

Results: Content analysis revealed five main themes related to women’s experiences of the transition from hospital to home: “Concerns About the First Days of Motherhood,” “Perceived Readiness for Returning Home,” “Social Support as a Source of Security,” “Emotional Reflections of Returning Home,” and “Metaphorical Reflections of Returning Home.” Concerns about the first days of motherhood included concerns related to physical recovery, infant health and care, and access to healthcare services. Regarding perceived readiness for returning home, some women felt ready for discharge and infant care, whereas others experienced hesitation due to their physical condition and caregiving responsibilities. Social support received from spouses, mothers, mothers-in-law, and extended family members emerged as an important source of security during the transition home. Returning home was mostly associated with comfort, peace, happiness, and hope; however, fear and mixed emotions were also experienced. Women expressed their experiences of returning home through images of peace and happiness, such as flowers, flower gardens, rainbows, hearts, clouds, balloons, and chocolate, as well as images of celebration and new beginnings, such as weddings and holidays.

Conclusion: The postpartum transition from hospital to home was found to be a multidimensional process involving women’s anxiety, readiness, social support, and emotional experiences. During this process, it is important to assess women’s individual needs and provide support tailored to those needs.

Keywords: Transition to Home, Anxiety, Qualitative Research, Postpartum Period, Discharge