When I become a mother!: Discourses of motherhood among Thai women in Northern Thailand

Abstract

Synopsis This paper discusses the discourses of motherhood among Thai women from Northern Thailand. It is based on in-depth interviews with 30 women who live in Chiang Mai province. Motherhood has several meanings among Thai women in this study. Common to all women is the perception that motherhood is not an easy task. Some women believe that motherhood means self-sacrifice and endless concern; for others, motherhood brings joy and pleasure to their lives. Women also mention that becoming a mother makes them appreciate the love and sacrifice that their mothers have had for them. This perception is linked with the Thai cultural concept of bun khun (gratitude). Some women believe the processes of being a mother deplete their health. Low satisfaction with motherhood and its consequent unhappiness found in several studies with women from Western societies does not exist in this study. This may be due to the societal expectation of motherhood in Thai culture and family support women received when they become mothers. Women are different in their meanings and experiences of motherhood. These differences must be recognised so that a clearer understanding of motherhood can be achieved. Only then can health services and care be made more meaningful to many women who have decided to become a mother.