Motherhood Experiences from the Perspective of First-Time Mothers

This study explored the early motherhood experiences of 79 first-time mothers. AU women reported normal pregnancies and deliveries, delivered healthy infants at term and were surveyed at 6 weeks postpartum using the inventory of Functional Status After Childbirth Mothers' written comments were...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical nursing research 1997-11, Vol.6 (4), p.335-348
Main Author: Mcveigh, Carol
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Psychological
Adult
Australia
Fatigue - psychology
Female
First time
Health Professions
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Life Change Events
Motherhood
Mothers
Mothers - psychology
Nursing
Nursing Methodology Research
Perceptions
Personal experiences
Postpartum Period - psychology
Practitioner Patient Relationship
Pregnancy
Prenatal Care
Psychological aspects
Psychology
Social Support
Surveys and Questionnaires
Womens Health Care
Workload
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Summary:This study explored the early motherhood experiences of 79 first-time mothers. AU women reported normal pregnancies and deliveries, delivered healthy infants at term and were surveyed at 6 weeks postpartum using the inventory of Functional Status After Childbirth Mothers' written comments were subjected to a content analysis, and much of their commentary revolved around the "conspiracy of silence' that appeared to exist about the realities of motherhood Most commented that no one had prepared them for the unrelenting demands of infant care, the level of fatigue they would experience, the loss of personal time and space, and the realities of 24-hour-a-day infant care. The women also cited their partners as their main support person during the early weeks of mother-hood. Although maternal child health nurses and midwives are well placed to offer prenatal education and long-term professional support postpartum. perhaps what is needed is active, anticipatory preparation for motherhood that begins long before the first pregnancy becomes a reality.
ISSN:1054-7738
1552-3799
DOI:10.1177/105477389700600404