“A Literal Form of Torture” – Health Care Stakeholder Perspectives on Sleep and Wellbeing Among First-Time Parents in Ireland During the Postpartum Period

PURPOSE: Postpartum sleep loss and fatigue are common during the transition to parenthood, with important implications for parental health and wellbeing. Given their role in supporting families during this transition, health care stakeholders can provide valuable insight into the sleep-related challenges experienced by first-time parents. DESIGN: This study employed a narrative inquiry approach to examine health care stakeholders' (e.g. midwives, psychologists, and doulas) perceptions, attitudes, and opinions regarding sleep and wellbeing among first-time parents during the postpartum period. METHODS: = 16) were conducted online with stakeholders. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. FINDINGS: Three primary themes were identified: 1) Transition to parenthood, 2) Barriers to parental sleep, and 3) Sleep and biopsychosocial functioning. Theme 1 captured how the unpredictability of sleep postnatally challenged parents' preconcieved expectations, revealing a discrepancy between anticipated and actual postpartum experiences. Theme 2 was concerned with the barriers that prevent first-time parents from securing sleep. Theme 3 described how sleep loss impacts parents' physical, mental, and social wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS: Participants agreed that many first-time parents are largely underprepared for the impact that sleep loss can have on their wellbeing. This research has provided evidence for the need for specific perinatal interventions designed to support first-time parents who struggle with the effects of sleep loss. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The findings reported here highlight that postpartum sleep loss should be recognised as a significant clinical issue rather than an expected/unavoidable aspect of early parenting. Health care professionals should routinely assess parental sleep quality during perinatal care.