Abstract

Background: Postpartum care practices are influenced by cultural beliefs, family traditions, and health-care advice. Understanding mothers' experiences is essential for providing culturally sensitive postnatal care. Aim: To explore postpartum care practices and experiences among postnatal mothers from rural and urban backgrounds attending a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A qualitative exploratory (descriptive) study was conducted among 21 postnatal mothers selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews and analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. Results: Six themes emerged: Theme 1: Emotional Transition into Motherhood, Theme 2: Challenges of adapting to the Postpartum Period, Theme 3: Postpartum rituals and social restrictions, Theme 4: Health consequences of Postpartum Practices, Theme 5: Traditional Complementary Therapeutic Practices and Perceived benefits, Theme 6: Family-Centered and Social Support facilitating Maternal Recovery. Conclusion: Postpartum practices remain deeply rooted in cultural traditions. While several practices promote maternal recovery, some require modification through culturally appropriate health education.