Experiences of Women during Post-Partum Period: A Phenomenological Study in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Postpartum is a significant transitional period in a woman’s life that can be internalized by only those who have undergone the experiences of motherhood. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize and understand women’s worldviews and expectations regarding postpartum care. The present study aims to describe and understand women’s perceptions and experiences during postpartum. The phenomenological qualitative methodology design was used to understand this phenomenon.  Approval for conducting the study was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee (ERC) of the Aga Khan University (AKU), Karachi. Eight women participated in individual in-depth; audio-taped interviews.  Data was analyzed using a thematizing process of the phenomenological method.  Results: Bodily transformation, sense of fear/joy, momentous of customary value system, and connecting to faith were the emergent themes related to the notion of “transition to motherhood”.  The study demonstrates the fact that the postpartum period is not just a simple process being experienced by mothers, but it is a great time and process of transition for a mother.