Experiences of postnatal mothers regarding the implementation of maternal and neonatal referral system guidelines in Mopani District in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

South Africa experiences challenges of maternal mortality, caused by pregnancy related conditions. Limpopo Province as one of the provinces in South Africa, is also affected. There are challenges facing obstetric emergency referrals, despite the availability of maternal/neonatal referral system guidelines. Therefore, this study explored the experiences of postnatal mothers aiming at facilitation of prompt referral of obstetric emergencies. Descriptive phenomenological research methods were used. The study was conducted in two selected sites, a maternity unit of a district hospital and a primary healthcare facility (fixed clinic), which is a feeder clinic to the district hospital in a selected sub-district of the Mopani district. Population were eleven (11) postnatal mothers. Purposive sampling was used. Data were collected using in- depth individual face -to- face interviews. Data was analysed using Colaizzi's seven procedural steps. Four essential meanings and their constituents were revealed: postnatal mothers' positive experiences, challenging experiences, consequences of challenges and post-natal mothers' recommendations. Health care facilities to be equipped with adequate, functional, safe, reliable, well equipped obstetrical equipment, material and human resources to facilitate prompt referral of obstetric emergencies.