Abstract
BACKGROUND: The postpartum period is crucial for maternal and newborn health but remains a high-risk phase in low-resource settings like Somalia, where psychosocial support is often lacking. Social support (including practical help), emotional care, and health education are essential for recovery and well-being. Despite Somalia’s high maternal mortality, little research has focused on first-time mothers’ experiences. This study explored their experiences of postpartum support at Banadir Hospital in Mogadishu. METHODS: An exploratory phenomenological design guided this study. Data was collected through 16 individual interviews, two focus group discussions (12 participants), and 10 key informant interviews with healthcare workers, totaling 38 participants. Purposive sampling ensured the selection of participants with relevant experiences, and data saturation determined the final sample size. Interviews were conducted in Somali, audio-recorded with consent, and transcribed verbatim. Inductive thematic content analysis was performed using NVivo 11. Methodological rigor was maintained through triangulation, member checking, reflexive journaling, peer debriefing, and a comprehensive audit trail. RESULTS: Three major themes emerged that reflected the postpartum social support experiences of first-time mothers. They received initial physical support primarily from family members, including mothers, mothers-in-law, and spouses. However, this assistance was limited and diminished significantly after the first month due to financial constraints and competing responsibilities. Emotional support was insufficient and primarily provided by healthcare workers rather than family, reflecting limited awareness of postpartum mental health needs and signs of depression. Informational support was critically inadequate, with mothers reporting unmet needs for structured guidance on newborn care, infant danger signs, and maternal health; they relied predominantly on informal sources, including family and neighbors, who often provided conflicting or inaccurate information. Overall, although postpartum support mechanisms exist, they are fragmented, inconsistent, and insufficient to meet first-time mothers’ holistic physical, emotional, and informational needs. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the urgent need for policy action to enhance postpartum care systems. This includes workforce capacity building and structured follow-up in fragile settings like Somalia. Strengthening postpartum social support through trained health workers, family engagement, and peer programs can improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-026-08875-y.