Abstract
The purpose of the present research is to design a postpartum care experience for new parents and their newborn to improve women’s postpartum care, health, and wellbeing in the U.S. An essential aim is to educate women in the U.S. about the importance of postpartum care. The paper discusses the importance and the unfulfilled niche market of postpartum care, and what factors need to be recognized and considered to create a meaningful service and experience with desired outcomes (e.g., reduce postpartum depression; enhance the joy of new parenthood); how the concept of postpartum care can be transformed from the hospital environment to a resort environment. The idea is to incorporate the natural surrounding resort environment to rejuvenate and create inspiration and joy for this niche market. Different cultural perspectives about postpartum care are also included. Practical implications suggest that postpartum care is considered non-invasive medical care; thus, designing postpartum care service and experience in a resort would hopefully allow more patients to view and accept the postpartum period as a critical period when they can utilize the time to recover, recharge, and sustain physical and mental health and wellbeing. Postpartum is a critical period setting the stage for long-term health and well-being for the mother and the child. This is an important research area that deserves more attention for both the hospitality industry and the healthcare industry. The collaborative work can be promising and vitalize both industries; hence, stimulate future research opportunities.
Presenters
Ingrid LinProfessor, School of Travel Industry Management, Shidler College of Business, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Health Promotion and Education
KEYWORDS
HEALTHCARE, HEALTH, WELLBEING, HOSPITALITY, POSTPARTUM CARE EXPERIENCESCAPE, RESORT
