AIM

This study aims to thoroughly explore to comprehensively examine the diverse types and subjective experiences of pain in postpartum women throughout perinatal period, aiming to deepen understanding and support the development of precise pain management strategies in nursing care.

DESIGN

A descriptive qualitative study.

METHODS

Between August and November 2022, postpartum women attending outpatient clinics at a tertiary level A hospital were selected as participants. The study followed the framework of the THRIVE model and utilized a phenomenological method for qualitative research. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 postpartum women, and the data were analyzed using the Colaizzi 7-step analysis method.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis revealed that different postpartum women exhibited diverse perceptions of their own pain experiences. Three themes were identified to describe the pain encountered by postpartum women: (1) Experiencing pain is complex (including experiencing multiple kinds of pain, individual differences in pain, and pain is variable), (2) Double perceptions of pain (negative effects of pain and positive energy for perceiving pain), and (3) Fighting pain requires active support (active outside support and construct a positive self-coping style).

CONCLUSION

This study provides a comprehensive overview of perinatal pain management in postpartum women, offering recommendations for accurate pain understanding and management. Healthcare professionals should be vigilant about maternal pain changes and individual experiences, implement targeted measures and support, aid in alleviating psychological burdens, boost maternal confidence in childbirth, and enhance postpartum quality of life.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

In this study, interviews were conducted in the hospital outpatient department, and the participants included in this study participated in the interviews to provide support for the implementation of this subject.