title: To build a bridge between two worlds: Mothers' experiences of professional support at the maternity ward.
abstract: We studied the experience of professional support among first-time mothers in relation to a scale measuring professional support in maternity care. We used a qualitative study with both an inductive and deductive approach and interviewed nine mothers. Our findings, both inductive and deductive, suggest that first-time mothers expect professional support in their transition into motherhood, building a bridge between two worlds. The first meeting, acknowledging individual needs, and supporting partner participation were important for good support. Maternity care should be organized with a focus on availability and professional support for mothers and the increased participation of their partners. Our scale of measurement can be useful but needs some development.
authors.affiliation: a School of Health and Education, University of Skövde , Skövde , Sweden.
authors.forename: Stina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thorstensson
authors.affiliation: b Karlskoga Hospital , Karlskoga , Sweden.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Andersson
authors.affiliation: c University Hospital , Örebro , Sweden.
authors.forename: Sofie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Israelsson
authors.affiliation: d School of Health and Education, University of Skövde , Skövde , Sweden.
authors.forename: Anette
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ekström
authors.affiliation: d School of Health and Education, University of Skövde , Skövde , Sweden.
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hertfelt Wahn
mesh_terms: D001942:Breast Feeding; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009774:Obstetrics; D010298:Parity; D011181:Postnatal Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult