Permission to be Authentic

Abstract

This is a qualitative study of postpartum women recipients of a home-visitation social support program. Recipients of the program have been identified by a health care professional as at risk for moderate postpartum mood disorder. Relational–cultural theory and social support theories provided a conceptual framework. Results indicated (a) new mothers feel isolated and guilt at not feeling happier and (b) that a relational component this study termed “permission to be authentic” appeared to be important. New mothers experience motherhood in a profoundly different context than mothers of other times. These findings may improve the training of providers and program development for postpartum women.