title: Parental experiences of early postnatal discharge: A meta-synthesis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  the aim of this study was to investigate new parents׳ experiences of early postnatal discharge.
  
  
  METHODS
  a meta-synthesis including 10 qualitative studies was conducted using Noblit and Hare׳s method of meta-synthesis development.
  
  
  METHODS
  qualitative studies performed in western countries from 2003-2013 were included.
  
  
  METHODS
  the 10 included studies involved 237 mothers and fathers, first time parents as well as multiparous.
  
  
  RESULTS
  we identified four overlapping and mutually dependent themes reflecting the new parents׳ experiences of early postnatal discharge: Feeling and taking responsibility; A time of insecurity; Being together as a family; and Striving to be confident. The mothers׳ and fathers׳ experiences of responsibility, security and confidence in their parental role, were positively influenced by having the opportunity to be together as a family, receiving postnatal care that included both parents, having influence on time of discharge, and getting individualised and available support focused on developing and recognising their own experiences of taking care of the baby.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  the new parents׳ experiences of early discharge and becoming a parent were closely related. Feeling secure and confident in the parental role was positively or negatively influenced by the organisation of early discharge. This underscores the importance of the way health professionals support new mothers and fathers at early postnatal discharge.
authors.affiliation: Danish Committee for Health Education, Classensgade 71, 5th floor, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. Electronic address: in@sundkom.dk.
authors.forename: Ingrid
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Nilsson
authors.affiliation: Research Unit of Nursing, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5220 Odense, Denmark. Electronic address: dbdanbjorg@health.sdu.dk.
authors.forename: Dorthe B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Danbjørg
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark. Electronic address: hanne.aagaard@skejby.rm.dk.
authors.forename: Hanne
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Aagaard
authors.affiliation: Section of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, Postboks 2099, 1014 Copenhagen K, Denmark. Electronic address: ksla@sund.ku.dk.
authors.forename: Katrine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Strandberg-Larsen
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5220 Odense, Denmark. Electronic address: jane.clemensen@rsyd.dk.
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Clemensen
authors.affiliation: Section for Nursing, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Hoegh-Guldbergs Gade 6A, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. Electronic address: hk@ph.au.dk.
authors.forename: Hanne
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kronborg
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007224:Infant Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009769:Object Attachment; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support
keywords: Early discharge; Experience; Meta synthesis; Parents; Postnatal care