Postnatal care: what new mothers say

In this article, multiparous and primiparous women of White and Indian ethnicity were interviewed about their postnatal experiences. Low staff levels on hospital wards was apparent to new mothers, some of whom left hospital earlier than planned because of this perceived lack of support and care. There is an apparent mismatch between expectation and the service that can be provided. Provision of care by family and community midwife fills the needs of mothers after a short period of surveillance and practical advice received in hospital. Anxiety was expressed about going home. Comments on all issues revealed no particular difficulties according to ethnic or religious background or experience of motherhood.