Abstract
The purpose of this study was to clarify how puerperae perceive experiences they will face after hospital discharge and to identify the factors related to the formation of the living images. Forty-four puerperae who had normal pregnancies responded to a questionnaire regarding their anticipated and actual experiences. A statistical analysis was performed to assess the difference between the living images of daily activities and actual experience as well as to correlate these findings with the background of the subjects.
Results:
1. Living images after hospital discharge were close to actual experience, except for the number of baby care hours.
2. For the period immediately after hospital discharge, the puerperae experiences were close to what they perceived because of the support they received from family.
3. At the time of the medical examination, one month after delivery, the puerperae noted that housekeeping hours increased as they expected but baby care hours increased significantly more than they expected. Sleep and rest hours were reduced.
4. The following can be considered as factors used by the puerperae in forming living images after hospital discharge factors such as baby care experiences, the baby feeding method, and the amount and quality of support they received after discharge.
