Strength Amidst Struggles: A Descriptive Qualitative Study of Maternal Experiences of Low Socioeconomic Status Mothers in the Third Month Postpartum

AimTo explore the experiences, expectations and needs of mothers from low socioeconomic status at 3 months postpartum.DesignDescriptive qualitative.MethodsMothers aged 21 years old and above, from low socioeconomic status (monthly household income is less than Singapore Dollar [SGD] $4300), and irrespective of their parity were invited to participate in one-to-one in-depth interviews at 3 months postpartum from September 2022 to June 2023. A semistructured guide was used in the interviews, which were conducted until data saturation. A trained researcher conducted the interviews that were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Written informed consent was obtained and voluntary participation was reinforced.ResultsTwenty mothers participated in this study and four themes were identified: (1) difficult trade-offs; (2) help-seeking behaviours and (3) 'But if?' Concerns about Emergencies.ConclusionThis study explored the difficult circumstances that mothers from low socioeconomic status face in their third month postpartum, and how wider societal inequalities exacerbated these circumstances. Current policies and practices need to be relooked, reframed, and reformed to address the unique needs of this community.Implications for Patient CareNurses should keep mothers' struggles in balancing employment and childcare in consideration and explore other ways of supporting the low socioeconomic status mothers such as online modes in providing patient education and peer support.ImpactMothers from low socioeconomic status are less likely to seek formal help from healthcare professionals, external organizations and the government. These mothers need flexible, affordable and accessible childcare options to return to work. More targeted family-oriented policies that create empowering and understanding workplaces in Singapore could help ease the stress on mothers returning to employment postpartum. Online peer support groups consisting of mothers of similar socioeconomic backgrounds could help engage and retain this hard-to-reach yet vulnerable population.Reporting MethodCOREQ checklist.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.