Experiences of postpartum Chinese women undergoing confinement practices: A qualitative meta-synthesis

AimsWe aim to review the experiences and needs of postpartum Chinese women undergoing 'confinement' or 'doing-the-month' a postpartum practice after childbirth.MethodsA meta-synthesis was reported in alignment with the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) statement. Ten electronic databases were searched for eligible primary qualitative or mixed-methods studies in English and Chinese from their inception until December 2021. Two reviewers independently reviewed the methodological quality of the included studies using the 10-item Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) qualitative checklist, with discrepancies resolved through discussions. The meta-synthesis was conducted based on the two-step approach by Sandelowski and Barroso.ResultsFour themes were meta-synthesized from 13 studies: 'confinement' as an essential practice; physical and psychological stressors during 'confinement'; coping strategies by postpartum women; and needs for family, social, and professional support in enhancing satisfaction with 'confinement'. The review showed that 'confinement' remains a significant practice shaped by socio-cultural and health constructs.ConclusionThis review suggested re-evaluating the 'confinement' practice and promoting evidence-based care to improve maternal well-being. Nurses and midwives should be cognisant of such postpartum customs and adopt non-judgemental attitudes as early as the prenatal period to provide culturally sensitive care. What is already known about this topic? 'Confinement' is said to aid physical recovery after childbirth. Studies have shown that this practice can lead to the development of postnatal blues among some postpartum women.What this paper adds? This review delineates how sociocultural factors govern postpartum women's beliefs, behaviours, and experiences during 'confinement', thus allowing healthcare professionals to better understand the influences of postpartum practices on maternal mental health.The implications of this paper: The novel insights herein will aid healthcare professionals in formulating culturally appropriate care to improve postnatal confinement experiences and maternal psychological well-being.