Experiences and needs of women who were discharged early after birth in selected settings in Botswana

Abstract

Background: Hospital stays for women following birth have increasingly become shorter in the past 50 years worldwide ( Cargill and Martel, 2007 ). The length of hospital stay after childbirth has been reduced to less than 24 hours in many cases, but postpartum women may need the support of health-care providers at home. Aims: This study aimed to explore the experiences of postpartum women after early discharge, in order to improve postpartum services. Methods: A cross-sectional survey explored the experiences of postpartum women after early discharge. One hundred and ten (110) women with normal births were selected through purposive sampling during 6-week postnatal visits at clinics in Francistown, Botswana. Ethical considerations were observed. Data were analysed using SPSS and presented in frequency distributions. Findings: The majority of women (n = 70, 63.6%) preferred to be discharged home within 6–24 hours; 16 (44%) primiparous women were ready for hospital discharge despite having difficulty dealing with perineal sutures and childcare. Multiparous women (n = 54, 72.9%) preferred early hospital discharge. Conclusions: Women need information about self-care and baby care, and a visit within 3–7 days at home. A standard protocol for postpartum follow-up care is needed.