New Motherhood Concepts, Implications for Healthcare. A Qualitative Study.

Esther Delgado-Pérez,Yolanda Pérez-Martín,Vanesa Abuín-Porras,Maria José Yuste-Sánchez,Isabel Rodríguez-Costa

doi:10.3390/ijerph182413118

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the experience of women who take care of their children in postpartum and who desire to be understood by society, with no judgements. For this purpose, a qualitative methodology was followed. In-depth interviews, discussion groups, and an online forum were used for data collection. The participants were Spanish women that had given birth in the past 6 months, and their partners. Healthcare specialists with experience in the topic were also included. Results showed three main categories: lack of priority, self-demand, and self-esteem changes. As a conclusion, the concept of motherhood needs to be redefined, as women feel that they are living under the pressure of being a “perfect mother”. It is important that mothers allow themselves to fail in reaching the imposed requirements. Simple acceptance of motherhood boundaries could help in this transition.

Highlights

Maternity and motherhood are experienced in different ways by women
Mothers constantly seek to frame themselves in a morally acceptable motherhood [3], which implies them to be devoted to the family and to be successful at work [4]
Data collected from the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE)

Summary

Introduction

Maternity and motherhood are experienced in different ways by women. These experiences are, in many cases, hidden from a society that silences and invisibilizes women [1]. The social forums where women speak freely about their motherhood challenges are scarce. Contextual, economics, social, racial, and ethnic factors determine their experience [2]. Mothers constantly seek to frame themselves in a morally acceptable motherhood [3], which implies them to be devoted to the family and to be successful at work [4]. Motherhood has been idealized, and in many cases is not a fully accepted choice for the mother herself, but a response to a sociocultural pressure that has held women responsible for children care [5].

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion