Abstract
Purpose
To explore the psycho‐adaptive changes and the level of psychological growth after childbirth among first‐time mothers.
Design and Methods
This study used a descriptive qualitative approach. Using the purposeful sampling method, 18 primiparous women who received postnatal care between August and September 2017 were interviewed.
Findings
The women’s experiences about psycho‐adaptive changes were collected under eight main themes. These themes were change in values, change in personality, change in hand skills and time management, change in priorities, change in problem‐solving skills, increase in self‐esteem, change in social life, and change in relations, respectively.
Practical Implications
Nurses should assume important responsibilities, such as childbirth education needs, psycho‐adaptive features of the mothering process, culturally‐sensitive antenatal visits, and childcare.