Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research1735-906625420200618333340ENNursing and Midwifery Care Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranSocial Determinants of Health Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran1.Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, 2.Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran2020062120200621<p><strong>Background: </strong>Social recovery during the postnatal period in women with perineal trauma is a  little‑known concept. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the experiences of social recovery  in women with childbirth‑related perineal trauma.</p><p><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>A qualitative approach  using content analysis was adopted to study a purposive sample of 22 postnatal women with perineal  trauma during birth at Omol‑banin Hospital, Mashhad, Iran from April 20th to December 25th, 2017.  The participants were selected between 10 days to one year after childbirth. Data were collected  through semi‑structured interviews. Conventional content analysis approach was performed,  concurrently, with data collection. To organize data, the MAXQDA 10 was used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Social  recovery after perineal trauma was conceptualized as ‘shifting from personal ill‑health to interactional  empowerment’. Two generic categories emerged from data analysis including 1) impaired individual  and social function, which was recognized by social isolation and lack of ability to manage daily life  and 2) empowering social interactions, which was characterized by rebuilding social partnerships  and returning to an interactive lifestyle.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Social isolation as the result of neglecting  social recovery of women with severe perineal trauma endangers the mental health of mothers.  Understanding the concept of social recovery for women with perineal trauma, especially in severe  cases, will help health professionals to provide quality postpartum care for women with perineal  trauma in a longer period after childbirth. </p>http://ijnmr.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijnmr/article/view/1728http://ijnmr.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijnmr/article/download/1728/70707298