Abstract
M.Cur.
The study aims to explore and describe what experiences women had regarding the care
they received in the maternity ward in Botswana. The women are looked at in the context
of Nursing for the Whole Person Theory to ensure a holistic perspective.
This is an explorative and descriptive qualitative study in which phenomenological
interviews were conducted with a sample population of ten women post partum. Methods
of data analysis according to Collaizi (1978) and Tesch (1990) were employed. In order
to ensure trustworthiness, Guba and Lincoln's style was adopted.
Literature control was undertaken to establish the comparativeness of the conclusions of
this study to previous studies. Women had a mixture of experiences but it can generally
be regarded that they received good care.
The conclusions which were reached led to notation of limitations as well as
recommendations geared at improving nursing practice, education and research.