"Listening to Mothers' Voices: Exploring Perceptions of Postnatal Nursing Support and Its Impact on Maternal Well-Being"

Abstract: The postnatal period is a critical phase in the continuum of maternal and newborn care, marked by significant physical, psychological, and social adjustments for mothers. During this vulnerable transition, postnatal nursing support plays a pivotal role in promoting maternal confidence, facilitating recovery, and ensuring optimal neonatal outcomes. Mothers’ perceptions of the care they receive are increasingly recognized as a key indicator of quality in postnatal services. Positive perceptions are associated with improved maternal satisfaction, enhanced breastfeeding practices, and better emotional well-being, whereas negative experiences may contribute to anxiety, stress, and disengagement from health services. This review article explores existing literature on mothers’ perceptions of postnatal nursing support, examining the dimensions of care that influence these perceptions, including emotional support, communication, education, cultural sensitivity, continuity of care, and accessibility of services. Factors affecting maternal perceptions, such as socio-demographic characteristics, healthcare settings, and nurse competencies, are critically analyzed. The article also discusses challenges faced by postnatal nurses and highlights evidence-based strategies to enhance the quality of postnatal nursing support. Understanding mothers’ perspectives is essential for strengthening postnatal care services and ensuring mother-centered, respectful, and holistic nursing practice.