SUPPORT, SENSITIVITY, SATISFACTION - FILIPINO, TURKISH AND VIETNAMESEWOMENS EXPERIENCES OF POSTNATAL HOSPITAL STAY

Objective: to assess Filipino, Turkish and Vietnamese women's views ab out their care during the postnatal hospital stay, Design: interviews were conducted with recent mothers in the language of the women's choi ce, 6-9 months after birth, by three bilingual interviewers, Participa nts: three hundred and eighteen women born in the Phillipines (107), T urkey (107) and Vietnam (104) who had migrated to Australia Setting: w omen were recruited from the postnatal wards of three maternity teachi ng hospitals in Melbourne, Australia, and interviewed at home, Finding s: overall satisfaction with care was low, and one in three women left hospital feeling that they required more support and assistance with both baby care and their own personal needs. The method of baby feedin g varied between the groups, with women giving some insight into the r eason for their choice. A significant minority wanted more help with f eeding, irrespective of the method. The need for rest was a recurrent theme, with women stating that staffs attitudes to individual preferen ces, coupled with lack of assistance, made this difficult. The majorit y of comments women made regarding their postnatal stay focused on the attitude and behaviour of staff and about routine aspects of care. Is sues related to culture and cultural practices were not of primary con cern to women. Conclusion: maternity services need to consider ways in which care can focus on the individual needs and preferences of women .