Psychological factors that impact on women's experiences of first-time motherhood: a qualitative study of the transition (original) (raw)
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Journey to Motherhood in the First Year After Child Birth
Objective: Child bearing is a period of psychological challenges that must be viewed in a social context. This study reports the maternal transition from the perspective of Iranian first-time mothers in the first year after childbirth. Materials and methods: Qualitative method was chosen for explanation of mothers' individual experiences of motherhood.26 first-time mothers (aged 18-35 years old with various socioeconomic status) who had delivered between 0-1 year prior to the interviews participated in the study.Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and interview transcripts were analyzed using the constant comparison method. Results: The core category was called "Regaining advanced balance". There were several themes within this category: "internal conflicts", "encounter and interaction" and "internalization". They felt unpreparedness, lack of control over their lives, incomplete maternal feelings and unstable relation to their husbands and others. Within the first postpartum days and weeks a sort of attachment develops between mother and child as the mother starts to attain a better understanding of maternal feelings; she begins to accept the child as an independent identity and reconstructs herself. As the attachment to child deepens, the mother feels control over the affairs. She realizes a kind of development and integration in herself which specifically stems from becoming a mother and attempts to strengthen family bonds. Conclusion: Through the expression of new mothers' experiences toward motherhood, healthcare providers can reach a better perception of the emotional and psychological changes as well as the various aspects of mothers' acceptance of their maternal role and helps a better preparation and presentation of effective training programs for mothers and families.
The aim of this research was to identify needs, perceptions and experiences of first-time mothers in the postnatal period.
Transitions of Motherhood among First Time Late Mothers: A Qualitative Investigation
Asian journal of multidisciplinary studies, 2018
- This study explored on the experiences of first time late mothers as they go through the transition of motherhood for the first time. Research has shown that more and more women delay childbirth into their mid and late thirties and this brings forth as well the onset of late and off-time transition of motherhood among women. Despite the awareness of biological constraints and risks involved in late childbearing, the phenomenon continues to be observed among women these days. It is the aim of this study to provide a qualitative description of the experiences of first time late mothers. This involved 10 interview accounts of first time late mothers following a descriptive-qualitative design. Results revealed the following themes: Motherhood brings pleasant and positive affect; There are reproductive and maternal health concerns; There are adjustments to work and family life; Aging and medical issues are surfaced; Developed sense of self-care; Development of intensive mothering quali...
Navigating and negotiating information and support: Experiences of first‐time mothers
Journal of Clinical Nursing, 2017
AIM: To examine how first time mothers in Nova Scotia (NS) identified and prioritized their own postpartum needs and where they went for information and support, inclusive of informal or formal programs and services, social media, family and friends. BACKGROUND: The early postpartum period is an exciting, yet stressful life experience for first time mothers. Mothers have often turned to families, friends and health care professionals for support and information; however, these social networks look differently today due to changes in institutional policies and postpartum health care practices, as well as the emergence of online resources and networks. There is currently limited understanding of how online resources have shifted mothers social networking practices and the degree to which programs and resources are currently meeting the needs of mothers and families. METHODS: Data were collected through focus group interviews in rural and urban NS communities (n=19) and online electronic interviews (n=18). Data were analyzed using feminist poststructuralism (FPS) and discourse analysis to understand issues of inclusion and health equity for mothers and how relations of power were negotiated by first time mothers in their search for support and information. RESULTS: Most participants were savvy as they critiqued, compared, navigated and negotiated advice and information from various sources, including health professionals, family, friends, and online forums. However, they unanimously wanted face-to-face support with other mothers and health care professionals. Participants enacted their agency to critically analyze information and support to ensure it matched their own beliefs, values and practices. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to understand first time mothers' practices and need for face-to-face support, as well as a need for further research with more diverse or marginalized demographics of mothers.
First time pregnant women's experiences in early pregnancy
International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being, 2011
Background: There are few studies focusing on women's experiences of early pregnancy. Medical and psychological approaches have dominated the research. Taking women's experiences seriously during early pregnancy may prevent future suffering during childbirth. Aim: To describe and understand women's first time experiences of early pregnancy. Method: Qualitative study using a phenomenological hermeneutic approach. Data were collected via tape-recorded interviews in two antenatal care units in Sweden. Twelve first time pregnant women in week 10Á14, aged between 17 and 37 years participated. Results: To be in early pregnancy means for the women a life opening both in terms of life affirming and suffering. The central themes are: living in the present and thinking ahead, being in a change of new perspectives and values and being in change to becoming a mother. Conclusions: The results have implications for the midwife's encounter with the women during pregnancy. Questions of more existential nature, instead of only focusing the physical aspects of the pregnancy, may lead to an improvement in health condition and a positive experience for the pregnant woman.
Psychological Challenges of Transition to Parenthood in First-time Parents
The birth of the first child and the couple's transition to parenthood can significantly change individuals' marital life. Accordingly, this study aimed to identify psychological challenges to transition to parenthood in first-time parents. Methods: The study employed a qualitative approach based on the content analysis method. The research population included all first-time parents who were referred to the Amjadieh Khaghani Community Counseling Center in District 7 of Tehran City, Iran, from May to August 2020. Besides, the studied couples had a child aged <4 years old. The study participants were 17 couples (n=34 subjects) who were selected using the purposive sampling technique and based on the theoretical saturation criterion. The required data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with the research participants. The interviews were recorded, then transcribed verbatim. eventually, after the extraction, the obtained data were coded and categorized using a content analysis method in MAXQDA. Results: Analyzing the obtained data revealed that the transition to parenthood can typically be considered either a positive or negative experience. The most serious challenges faced by couples in the transition to parenthood included ambiguity and changes in the spousal role; duality and conflict in the motherhood role; feeling restricted and prevented from pursuing personal goals; psychological and emotional support from the family and husband; parenting disagreements; changes in sexual relations; fear of the failure to financially support the child; dissatisfaction with the appearance and weight change, and differences in parenting practices. The core theme was the transition to parenthood; from couples to parents. Conclusion: Transition to parenthood seems to be a vital change in the lives of couples; thus, some measures are required to prepare couples for such a transition. The insights from this study can help family counselors, midwives, and family nurses to develop and hold training and preparation programs for couples; such services should be provided to the couples before experiencing parenthood. This could prepare parents for the challenges of their new life.
Support during Pregnancy as an Influencing Factor on the Transition to Parenthood
Journal of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health, 2017
is a registered psychologist and Ph.D. candidate at Bond University (Australia). Christine specializes in pre-and perinatal psychology and is a published author, certified Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist, HeartMath™ coach and trainer in Neuro Linguistic Programing.
Postpartum Issues for Expectant Mothers and Fathers
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, <html_ent glyph="@amp;" ascii="&"/> Neonatal Nursing, 2002
To investigate the postpartum psychosocial and infant care topics that women and men who attend preparation for parenthood classes have been thinking or worrying about during the pregnancy. Furthermore, to compare the rates of endorsement of such issues for women and men so that clinicians can use this information to help plan which topics to include in preparation for parenthood classes.