The care needs of postpartum women taking their first time of doing the month: a qualitative study

Background: In contemporary Taiwan, after giving birth, many women undertake a traditional postpartum practice called ‘doing the month’, which occurs in the medical context of postpartum nursing centres instead of at home. Thus, healthcare workers must identify and address the care needs of new mothers in this setting to improve the care of new mothers and their baby and family. Aim: To explore new mothers’ care needs from their own perspectives during the period of doing the month. Methods: A qualitative study was performed. Eligible participants recruited through purposive sampling were interviewed comprehensively. Results: Twenty-seven primiparous women participated (mean age: 32 years; mean marriage length: 3.4 years). Four themes were identified: the need to increase energy to gain more yang force, the need to internalise mothering, the need to be supported by the family and friends, and the need to be understood. Conclusions: For effective care, sufficient support and guidance must be provided to first-time mothers and their families, especially when mother–baby rooming-in is the standard of care.