From grandmother to first-time mother: A qualitative study of prenatal and postnatal maternal socialization in Lusaka, Zambia

Little is known about how grandparents influence childcare and mothering practices in developing countries. This is against the backdrop of literature that has documented that when young women become mothers, they receive extensive support and guidance on how to parent their babies from grandparents. This study explored how grandmothers in Lusaka, Zambia, shaped the mothering practices of first-time mothers.The study used an exploratory qualitative descriptive research design. Thirty grandmothers were interviewed independently using a semi-structured interview guide. Results highlighted a wide variation of teachings in the pre-and post-natal phase. At prenatal, Teachings before childbirth was the main theme, with the sub-themes preparing for labor and preserving pregnancy. While at postnatal, teachings after child's birth emerged as the primary theme with sub-themes, caring for the newborn and keeping the baby safe. Grandmother teachings were essential for keeping mother and baby healthy during prenatal and postnatal. Grandmother teachings in both prenatal and postnatal phases were found significant in ensuring the mother and the baby are healthy. These findings underscore the need to involve grandmothers in health programming and interventions to improve maternal and infant health in Zambia.Abbreviations: HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus; WHO: World Health Organization.