Mothers’ Experiences of Childbirth and Perspectives on Korean Medicine-Based Postpartum Care in Korea: A Qualitative Study

Do-Eun Lee, Hyo-Weon Suh, Han-Song Park, Inae Youn, Minjung Park and Joohee Seo
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Do-Eun Lee: Department of Neuropsychiatry, College of Korean Medicine, Won Kwang University, Iksan 54538, Korea
Hyo-Weon Suh: Department of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Korea
Han-Song Park: Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
Inae Youn: Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
Minjung Park: National Agency for Development of Innovative Technologies in Korean Medicine, National Institute of Korean Medicine Development, 12F Namsan Square Building, 173 Toegyero, Jung-gu, Seoul 04553, Korea
Joohee Seo: Department of Korean Neuropsychiatry, National Medical Center, 245 Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul 04564, Korea

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 9, 1-19

Abstract: This study aimed to record the experiences of childbirth and postpartum care of postpartum women and gain an in-depth understanding of their experiences of Korean medicine-based postpartum healthcare. The investigator conducted a 60–90-min interview with the 8 participants (mean age 34 years), and the comments were analyzed using the thematic analysis method. The two major themes emerging from the participants’ comments were: “experience and awareness of childbirth and postpartum care” and “experiences of the Korean medicine-based postpartum program”. The first theme was analyzed in four primary categories: (1) experiences of breakdown of the body and mind; (2) impossibility of postpartum care without help; (3) experiences of relentless effort for recovery; and (4) experiences of body and mind recovery. The second theme was analyzed in four primary categories: (1) participation with vague expectations; (2) experiences of the effects of managing postpartum symptoms; (3) the need for a comprehensive Korean medicine management for postpartum women; and (4) suggested improvements for the Korean medicine-based postpartum program. Mothers recognized the importance of Korean medicine treatment during the postpartum period for the management of Sanhupung symptoms and postpartum care and reported the benefits of body warming, Sanhupung prevention, pain reduction, and sense of psychological stability.

Keywords: postpartum care; postnatal depression; Korean medicine; thematic analysis; qualitative research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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