Abstract
M.Cur.
The purpose of this study was to do a needs assessment of mothers with their first baby in the postpartum period in respect of community support. Since there are as yet little or no support systems in South Africa, it is important to firstly determine the needs of the mother before these community support systems can be mobilised by the midwife and can function efficiently.
Semi-structured questionnaires that were compiled from literature were given on one occasion to mothers with their first baby in the postpartum period at community clinics to complete. These results were then collated to identify the needs of the mothers to thereby mobilise the necessary community support systems, in order to sufficiently support mothers in the postpartum period and thus create a healthier community.
Recommendations were made on the application in practice, education, and further research that can be carried out in this field.