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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
medicine
Joy, struggle and support: Postpartum experiences of first-time mothers in a Tanzanian suburb
Women and Birth, Volume 24, No. 1, Year 2011
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Description
Objectives: To explore and describe postpartum experiences of first-time mothers in a Tanzanian, multiethnic, low-income suburb. Methods: Individual qualitative interviews with 10 first-time mothers, 4-10 weeks postpartum in Ilala suburb, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Results: The first-time mothers enjoyed motherhood and the respectful status it implied. To understand and handle the infant's needs and own bodily changes were important during postpartum. The tradition of abstaining from sex up to 4 years during breastfeeding was a concern as male's faithfulness was questioned and with HIV a threat to family health. Partner relationship changed towards shared parental and household work and the man's active participation was appreciated. Support from family members and others in the neighbourhood were utilised as a resource by the mothers. In instances of uncertainties on how to handle things, their advice was typically followed. The new mothers generally had good experiences of health care during the childbearing period. However, they also experienced insufficiencies in knowledge transfer, disrespectful behaviour, and unofficial fees. Key conclusions and implication for practice: The mothers' perspective of postpartum revealed that they actively searched for ways to attain infants' and own health needs, and family health in general. Prolonged sexual abstinence was considered a risk for the partner having other sexual partners and contracting HIV. The mothers relied heavily on the informal support network, which sometimes meant risking family health due to misinformation and harmful practices. Health care and informal support systems should complement each other to attain adequate support for the families postpartum. © 2010 Australian College of Midwives.
Authors & Co-Authors
Mbekenga, Columba Kokusiima
Tanzania, Dar es Salaam
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences
Sweden, Uppsala
Uppsala Universitet
Christensson, Kyllike
Sweden, Stockholm
Karolinska Institutet
Lugina, Helen Igobeko
Tanzania, Dar es Salaam
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences
Olsson, Pia
Sweden, Uppsala
Uppsala Universitet
Statistics
Citations: 54
Authors: 4
Affiliations: 3
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1016/j.wombi.2010.06.004
ISSN:
18715192
Research Areas
Infectious Diseases
Maternal And Child Health
Sexual And Reproductive Health
Study Approach
Qualitative
Study Locations
Tanzania
Participants Gender
Male