Postpartum women’s experiences of spousal and family support in Bali interpreted through hermeneutic phenomenology

The postpartum period is a critical phase marked by profound emotional, physical, and psychological changes that can make women vulnerable to baby blues and postpartum depression. While numerous studies have established that spousal and family support can mitigate these risks, limited research has explored how such support is experienced and interpreted by postpartum women, particularly within the cultural context of Indonesia. This study employed a qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of postpartum women in Bali in relation to the support they received from their husbands and families. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants selected through purposive sampling from three community health centers. Data were analyzed using van Manen’s thematic method, emphasizing interpretive reflection on meaning and essence. Findings revealed four key forms of support: emotional, instrumental, informational, and appreciation-based, each playing a significant role in shaping women’s emotional resilience and sense of self. Emotional presence, shared caregiving, reassurance, and recognition were described as deeply meaningful, reinforcing confidence and mitigating feelings of isolation. This study provides new understanding of support as existential care, showing that emotional and cultural connectedness—not only practical assistance—sustain maternal identity and well-being in postpartum women.