The lived experience of postpartum women receiving rooming-in care

A phenomenological study was conducted to explore the lived experience of postpartum women receiving rooming-in care. Subjects (n = 21) were recruited from a medical center in Taichung. Data were collected by a demographic questionnaire, open-ended interview guide and a tape recorder. Content analysis by Giorgi's method was used, and identified four themes. Because of early contact women who receive rooming-in care in postpartum can perceive the happiness and suffering of nursing their baby, promote the success of breastfeeding, and increase family cohesion, but in this process women also have some needs and concerns. The results of this study can enable professional staff to understand the lived experience of postpartum woman receiving rooming-in care, so that nurses can provide care that meets their needs and enhance their willingness to participate. In this way, rooming-in care can be extended into family-centered maternity care and create baby-friendly hospitals.