Preparing solo mothers for childbirth and parenthood – The importance of being with like-minded women

• Published in: Sexual & reproductive healthcare 2024-06, Vol.40, p.100968-100968, Article 100968
• Main Authors: Frydenrejn Funderskov, Karen, Konge Nielsen, Marie, Boe Danbjørg, Dorthe, Juel Rothmann, Mette, Werner, Anette
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Antenatal care; Antenatal education classes; Denmark; Female; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Mothers - psychology; Parenting - psychology; Parturition - psychology; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care; Prenatal Education - methods; Qualitative Research; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; Single mother by choice; Single Parent - psychology; Social Support; Solo mother; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1877-5756; 1877-5764
• DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100968

•The conventional antenatal education offered to future parents, does not meet solo mothers needs during labour, childbirth and parenthood.•This study finds that information about becoming a solo mother was found both by formal- and informal sources.•Solo mothers might benefit from small, structured classes with like-minded women. Denmark and many high-income countries have seen an increase in the number of single women getting pregnant through medical assisted reproduction (MAR). These women are also named solo mothers. According to the Danish Health Authorities, they should, as all other pregnant women, be offered antenatal education. The aim of this study was to explore solo mothers’ needs in order to prepare them for childbirth and parenthood. This qualitative study was set to investigate solo mothers’ experiences and requirements during pregnancy toprepare them for childbirth and parenting. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone or face-to-face. A systematic text condensation and interpretation was used to analyse data. 38 interviews were conducted before and after pregnancy. Twenty solo mothers participated in the study. Three themes emerged from the analysis: ‘Confrontation with the normative pregnancy’, ‘Mirroring and network’ and ‘Using formal and informal sources to gain information’. The conventional antenatal packages offered by the healthcare system did not meet the solo mothers’ needs. The women called for content and information tailored to single parents. Solo mothers may benefit from structured antenatal classes in small groups. Being with like-minded women was essential for preparing for childbirth and parenting.