Parents' Experiences with Childbirth and Parenting Policies and Their Suggestions for Improvement: A Study of Families with Newborns in 2023

Objectives The South Korean central and local governments have implemented a variety of childbirth and parenting policies, allocating significant public resources in an effort to combat the country's persistently low birth rate. However, despite these efforts, South Korea’s birth rate remains low. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of parents in South Korea regarding childbirth and parenting policies, with the goal of identifying areas for improvement. Methods A qualitative research design was employed using in-depth interviews. Six parents who had recently given birth and were currently raising children in South Korea participated in the study. Data were collected through Qualitative Research Interviews (QRI) and analyzed using Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological method. Results Participants reported positive experiences with certain policies, such as the maternity leave system, cash support, vouchers, and healthcare services. However, they also identified various limitations in both policy design and implementation. Suggestions for improvement included extending the duration of parental and maternity leave, establishing a human resource support system, enhancing access to online parenting education, and streamlining the application process. Conclusions The findings suggest that improving the birth rate in South Korea requires more than simply offering a wide range of policies. It is essential to tailor these policies to the actual needs of parents, ensuring detailed, accessible, and effective support for policy beneficiaries.