Experiences Of Mothers Research Articles

Lived experiences of mothers of children with mild intellectual disabilities: A phenomenological study.

The present research investigated the lived experiences of mothers of children with mild intellectual disabilities in a central city in Iran. The research method was qualitative and phenomenological type. Eleven families were selected from males with intellectual disabilities who were graduated from secondary vocational centers through purposeful sampling and participated in in-depth semi-structured interviews. The data was analyzed by Colaizzi method. The main themes extracted from the interviews with mothers were: employment and financial independence; physical and mental health; sexual and marriage issues; and life after the death of parents. The results showed the lived experiences of mothers and their concerns regarding employment, marriage, sexual issues, physical and mental health, and the future of their children. The results recommended that the government should take steps to remove life obstacles for adults with intellectual disabilities by modifying the methods of education and rehabilitation of people with intellectual disabilities in the country.

Experiences of Breastfeeding Mothers of Infants With Ankyloglossia: A Qualitative Study.

Ankyloglossia, or limited tongue mobility due to a restrictive sublingual frenulum, can complicate breastfeeding. Treatment typically involves a frenotomy, a procedure that cuts the restrictive tissue parallel to the tongue. To describe the experiences of breastfeeding mothers with children affected by ankyloglossia, before any treatment for the condition. This was a qualitative descriptive study. Using purposive sampling, 20 participants were recruited. Data were collected through individualized semi-structured interviews. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis with ATLAS.ti computer software. Four main themes were identified: (1) Breastfeeding: An idyllic and intuitive process; (2) When idyllic becomes problematic; (3) Looking for a solution; and (4) Recommendations based on experience. During pregnancy, the participants perceived breastfeeding as an idealized process. After delivery, participants described physical and emotional difficulties with breastfeeding that they attributed to ankyloglossia. Although the care received by midwives in the hospital was satisfactory, the participants described shortcomings, including the lack of breastfeeding training for healthcare professionals and the lack of specialized physiotherapists. This study shows the difficulties experienced by breastfeeding mothers of children with ankyloglossia prior to treatment, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach. Despite satisfaction with midwifery care, shortcomings in the hospital were described.

From bedside vigilance to empowered parent: a descriptive qualitative study of maternal involvement in the pediatric intensive care unit.

To explore the experiences of mothers of children hospitalized in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and the factors influencing their involvement in Singapore.Convenience sampling was used to recruit mothers of children aged 0 to 18years old hospitalized in a PICU for at least 48h from a public tertiary hospital in Singapore from September to November 2023. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 mothers in person until data saturation was achieved. Thereafter, data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes and thirteen subthemes were identified. The themes were: (1) Emotional roller-coaster, (2) Redefining mother's duties, (3) Collaborating with the healthcare team, (4) Barriers to Maternal Involvement. Conclusions:Mothers felt hopeless and anxious during their child's hospitalization but rarely showed outward signs of emotional distress. Mothers were motivated to be involved in caregiving activities by their desire to reclaim their maternal role. Mothers worked closely together with the healthcare providers. However, maternal involvement was limited by their fear of causing more harm, inconducive spaces, and balancing their sick child and other siblings at home. These findings provide a nuanced insight into maternal experiences and can help to inform enhanced family-centered care hospital policies. Triangulation of findings from PICU healthcare providers and other caregivers such as fathers and siblings is needed to holistically understand the support needs of such families. Practice implications: PICU healthcare providers need to pay greater attention to maternal emotional well-being. After more research on families with children in PICU, hospitals could seek to implement family-centred psychosocial support programs for parents and siblings.

Student Mothers: Experiences of Young Mothers Studying at University

This study investigates the challenges faced by young mothers in pursuing higher education, examines their coping strategies for balancing motherhood and academic responsibilities, and explores available support systems. In order to accomplish the study's goals and objectives, a qualitative research design was employed. Snowball sampling was used to select women over 18 years old enrolled in a university in North Cyprus having at least one child and speaking English. Semistructured interviews, lasting 30-50 minutes were carried out with study participants. The interviews were transcribed, coded into themes and sub-themes, and then analysed thematically. The study results revealed that student mothers bear a heavy burden of motherhood responsibilities, leading to significant emotional stress and a negative impact on their mental well-being. The mothers also encounter challenges in finding sufficient support systems, such as lactation rooms and childcare services. To overcome these obstacles, the respondents emphasize the importance of effective time management to balance their academic studies with caring for their children. The respondents report that having a support system from family members and colleagues is valuable for coping with the challenges of motherhood and education. Therefore, addressing the challenges faced by student mothers requires a holistic approach that recognizes the intersectionality of their roles.

Motherhood and Mothering: The Experience of Israeli Non-Biological Mothers in Blended Families Formed After Loss of the Biological Mother

Motherhood and Mothering: The Experience of Israeli Non-Biological Mothers in Blended Families Formed After Loss of the Biological Mother

Book Review: Mehdi R Understanding Gender and Diversity in Europe: Experiences of Migrant Single Mothers in Denmark(Springer Nature Switzerland 2024) ISBN 978-3-031-40892-2; ISBN 978-3-031-40893-9 (eBook)

This contribution reviews the book by Mehdi R Understanding Gender and Diversity in Europe: Experiences of Migrant Single Mothers in Denmark (2024). The book explores the varied and intricate encounters of Pakistani migrant women as they navigate European multicultural societies whose normativity is founded on individualism against their traditional collectivist relational approach to family. The study critically analyses the gender notions that single-migrant mothers and women face in a world of competing social and economic theories, namely neoliberalism and neo-conservatism at different generational epochs of migration. Drawing on multiple theoretical and complementary perspectives, it provides deep insights into to lived realities of single migrant women.

The experience of migrant mothers of African origin in Spain: A human rights-based approach to mental health.

Migrant mothers of African origin (MMAO) face multiple situations of vulnerability in receiving societies, with implications for their right to the highest level of mental health. This study examines the intersecting social determinants that shape the experiences of suffering and well-being expressed by MMAO engaged in transnational motherhood in southern Spain. Sixteen MMAO users of the Spanish Red Cross participated in individual interviews and photovoice-based group sessions. The qualitative results show the existence of an interconnected web of six key human rights that are often violated, which impact the mental health of the MMAO. Specifically, MMAO frequently refer to their rights to (a) legal status, (b) access to decent work, (c) family reunification with their children, (d) enjoying supportive social networks in terms of transnational relationships as well as relationships with other MMAO in the receiving society, (e) maintaining their cultural and spiritual roots, and (f) self-determination as a way to ensure their mental health. This proposal contributes to the literature by offering a human rights-based approach to the mental health of a population that is particularly sensitive to the intersectionality of oppression and by offering recommendations for ensuring the right to the mental health of MMAO in receiving societies.

"But who takes care of the mom?": The daily experiences of immigrant mothers navigating health in family life.

"But who takes care of the mom?": The daily experiences of immigrant mothers navigating health in family life.

Public Health Critical Race Praxis in Maternal Health Occupational Therapy: A Framework for Race-Conscious Research and Intervention.

This column explores the integration of the Public Health Critical Race Praxis (PHCRP) framework into maternal health occupational therapy to address racial disparities and enhance health care outcomes. The PHCRP framework provides a race-conscious methodology for examining the intersection of race, health, and systemic inequities, making its application in occupational therapy research and practice essential amid the U.S. maternal health crisis, which disproportionately affects Black birthing individuals. We highlight occupational therapy practitioners' responsibilities, emphasizing race-conscious research, culturally informed and responsive interventions, and advocacy for equitable maternal health care policies. By leveraging the PHCRP framework, occupational therapy can take a transformative approach to address the root causes of maternal health disparities, dismantle systemic health care barriers, and improve Black maternal health outcomes. This column intentionally adopts inclusive language to recognize the diverse identities of those who give birth. We use terms such as birthing individuals and mothering to acknowledge the diverse identities, pregnancy, and childbirth experiences of all birthing individuals. Research indicates that these individuals navigate distinct experiences and may prefer gender-affirming terminology, such as transman, nonbinary, or parent, to mitigate gender dysphoria (Kukura, 2022). This inclusive approach is essential for promoting equitable, culturally affirming care because it acknowledges the additional layers of bias, discrimination, and racial inequity often experienced by non-female-identified birthing individuals. Through this lens, we aim to center diverse experiences and advocate for an occupational therapy practice that actively challenges systemic inequities and fosters equitable maternal health care. Positionality Statement (Jordan C. W. Major): As a biracial Black-White, English-speaking, cisgender, heterosexual female with an invisible disability who was born and raised in the United States, my intersectional identity profoundly shapes my perspective, allowing me to uniquely address the nuances of racial, health, and maternal issues in health care. I am an occupational therapy practitioner currently pursuing a PhD in rehabilitation science, studying the impact of type 1 diabetes on Black maternal health. My lived experiences and academic background afford me the opportunity to center the experiences of Black mothers and birthing people through a race-conscious lens and call on my occupational therapy colleagues to do the same.

Lived experiences of urban working mothers during pandemic: A matricentric exploration in the Indian context

Lived experiences of urban working mothers during pandemic: A matricentric exploration in the Indian context

Experiences of postnatal mothers regarding the implementation of maternal and neonatal referral system guidelines in Mopani District in the Limpopo Province, South Africa.

South Africa experiences challenges of maternal mortality, caused by pregnancy related conditions. Limpopo Province as one of the provinces in South Africa, is also affected. There are challenges facing obstetric emergency referrals, despite the availability of maternal/neonatal referral system guidelines. Therefore, this study explored the experiences of postnatal mothers aiming at facilitation of prompt referral of obstetric emergencies. Descriptive phenomenological research methods were used. The study was conducted in two selected sites, a maternity unit of a district hospital and a primary healthcare facility (fixed clinic), which is a feeder clinic to the district hospital in a selected sub-district of the Mopani district. Population were eleven (11) postnatal mothers. Purposive sampling was used. Data were collected using in- depth individual face -to- face interviews. Data was analysed using Colaizzi's seven procedural steps. Four essential meanings and their constituents were revealed: postnatal mothers' positive experiences, challenging experiences, consequences of challenges and post-natal mothers' recommendations. Health care facilities to be equipped with adequate, functional, safe, reliable, well equipped obstetrical equipment, material and human resources to facilitate prompt referral of obstetric emergencies.

The Maternal Compassion Preoccupation Questionnaire (MCPQ): Development and initial validation.

Complex emotions may be aroused by the enormous compassion involved in infant care, expressed in the mother's constant exposure to the infant's distress and her prodigious investment in efforts to alleviate it. The present two studies aimed to design and examine the construct validity of the Maternal Compassion Preoccupation Questionnaire to assess the multifaceted experience of the compassion inherent in infant care as reflected in the concepts of compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, and self-compassion. Study 1 describes the initial development and validation of the questionnaire, and Study 2 presents further examination of its convergent and discriminant validity. Two convenience samples were recruited through social media. Participants in Study 1 consisted of 455 women aged 21-47 (M = 32.12, SD = .01) whose babies were 1-12 months old. Participants in Study 2 consisted of 453 women aged 21-47 (M = 31.34, SD = 4.34) whose babies were up to 10 months old. The final scale contains 29 items that tap the three dimensions matching the theoretical concepts on which it is based and displays good psychometric properties. In addition, compassion fatigue was positively associated with postpartum depression and negatively associated with role satisfaction and mindfulness; compassion satisfaction and self-compassion were both negatively associated with postpartum depression and positively associated with role satisfaction and mindfulness. The Maternal Compassion Preoccupation Questionnaire is a reliable and valid measure that can facilitate understanding of the complex and multifaceted experience of mothers caring for young infants. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

PERSPECTIVE OF NEW MOTHERS IN THE EARLY YEARS OF MOTHERHOOD IN COLLECTIVISTIC CULTURE

Background: Motherhood in collectivistic cultures presents unique challenges, as societal expectations and family structures significantly shape maternal experiences. In Pakistan, new mothers residing in joint family systems often encounter emotional, psychological, and cultural pressures while navigating their early years of motherhood. The balance between caregiving responsibilities, household duties, and personal well-being becomes particularly complex when autonomy is limited by traditional family hierarchies. Understanding these challenges is essential for developing culturally sensitive interventions that support maternal well-being and promote healthier family dynamics. Objective: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of first-time mothers within Pakistani collectivistic culture, particularly the emotional, relational, and cultural challenges they encounter within the first three years of marriage and motherhood. Methods: A qualitative research design utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was employed to provide an in-depth exploration of maternal experiences. A purposive sample of six first-time mothers residing in joint family systems and married for less than three years was selected. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews and demographic questionnaires to capture detailed narratives. Verbatim transcription was performed, followed by thematic analysis to identify emergent patterns. Superordinate themes, including self-identity, resilience, adaptation, and interpersonal relationships, were categorized into master themes such as coping strategies, cultural identity, and social expectations. Results: The findings revealed that new mothers face significant emotional distress due to limited autonomy, cultural expectations, and societal pressures. Challenges included balancing household responsibilities, child-rearing practices dictated by extended family members, and financial constraints. While social support was a primary coping strategy, many mothers found it insufficient, leading to psychological strain. Despite these adversities, resilience was evident among participants who employed self-reflection, boundary-setting, and adaptive coping mechanisms. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for culturally informed support systems that promote maternal mental health and encourage shared caregiving responsibilities within collectivistic family structures. Policies and community-based interventions should be developed to enhance maternal well-being, strengthen spousal support, and foster greater autonomy for new mothers.

The traumatic childbirth experience of mothers after emergency cesarean section(EmCS) in China: a descriptive qualitative study

BackgroundEmergency cesarean section (EmCS) is an effective means to save the lives of the mother and fetus. Women who undergo EmCS experience sudden physiological changes and high level of psychological stress response due to its complexity, risks, and urgency. They may consider their delivery as traumatic childbirth. This study aims to understand the traumatic childbirth experience among women who underwent EmCS, as well as providing evidence for developing preventive measures in future.MethodsSixteen women who underwent an EmCS in the past year and experienced traumatic childbirth in a tertiary hospital in Luoyang, Henan Province had participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews between February and May 2023. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.ResultsFour themes and ten sub-themes were extracted from the data: Theme 1: Journey from crisis to renewal: the psychological recovery process of women experienced traumatic childbirth after EmCS (stress phase, reaction phase, emotional processing and adjustment phase, and stabilization and reconstruction phase); Theme 2: Empowering mothers and families: addressing the multifaceted needs of comprehensive perinatal health education (insufficient individualized care: diversity and challenges of maternal needs, the gap in spousal involvement in perinatal health education); Theme 3: The barriers between patient-professional communication in healthcare (breaking the silence: needs to address the ineffective communication, beyond the diagnosis: needs for empathy in healthcare); and Theme 4: Limited family support (the forgotten mothers, husbands’ emotional absence).ConclusionsThis study contributed to our understanding of the childbirth process for women undergoing EmCS. Women in this period experienced a range of negative emotions, they were lacking in sufficient health education, good communication between healthcare professionals and adequate family support. The research findings are valuable for us to identify their difficulties and needs, enabling us to provide assistance.

Fear of Childbirth/Tokophobia: Implications for Childbirth Educators

ABSTRACTMost women experience childbirth with a positive outlook. However, some women have perceptions of trauma, invasive exams, loss of control, and violation of privacy in childbirth, leading to disgust, aversion, and fear. Severe fear of childbirth (FOC) is calledtokophobia, which can profoundly affect the experience and outcomes of pregnancy, childbirth, and mothering. This article will raise awareness of FOC/tokophobia by reviewing its presentation and predisposing characteristics, recognizing its impacts and outcomes, and encouraging referrals to medical/psychological caregivers for early diagnosis and treatment. It will review ways childbirth educators can support those women with this condition, give realistic expectations of childbirth, and promote a safe and secure atmosphere to allay fear and support them through this stressful experience.

Stress and resilience factors characterizing pandemic experiences of low-income pregnant and postpartum Latine mothers.

Stress and resilience factors characterizing pandemic experiences of low-income pregnant and postpartum Latine mothers.

“Bad timing for illness relapse!” Mood symptoms, challenges and strategies for wellbeing in the first year postpartum among infant mothers with bipolar disorder: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundThe postpartum period is associated with a high risk of illness episodes in women with bipolar disorder (BD) and is a critical developmental phase for both a new mother and her infant. This mixed-methods study aimed to investigate the occurrence of mood symptoms among infant mothers with BD in the first year postpartum, as well as their perceptions of the first year, their challenges and their strategies for wellbeing.MethodsTwenty-six women with BD participated. Mood symptoms were assessed at 3 and 12 months postpartum with the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology and Young Mania Rating Scale. Occurrences of additional postpartum mood deviations were investigated through an interview at 12 months, which also covered the women’s postpartum experiences. Thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative dataset (interviews and field notes).Results42% of the women were euthymic or had only mild mood symptoms at 3 and 12 months. 58% had moderate to severe symptoms at either or both time points. A positive (38%) vs. mixed (62%) perception of the first year was strongly associated with euthymia-mild vs. moderate-severe mood deviations, as was the experience of maternal developmental achievement vs. struggles. The women experienced postpartum mood deviations and illness episodes as being particularly poorly timed. Further challenges included balancing self-care and infant mothering, familial relations, and negative experiences with the health and care systems. Illness acceptance with mindfulness of one’s own and the infant’s needs was a primary strategy for wellbeing, which was complemented by the support of one’s partner and family and postpartum treatment.ConclusionsOur findings propose that without impeding mood deviations and concomitant challenges, infant mothers with BD can enjoy their new motherhood and experience phase-specific growth equally to healthy mothers. On the other hand, moderate to severe mood deviations can adversely impact the experience of the postpartum year and one’s own sense of mothering. Efforts to prevent postpartum mood deviations need to be complemented with interventions that target phase-specific BD challenges and support wellbeing strategies for both the mother and her infant. In summary, women’s needs to function as infant mothers must be considered in the postpartum treatment of BD.

Perception of psychosocial burden in mothers of children with rare pediatric neurological diseases

Parenting a child with rare paediatric neurological diseases (RPNDs) severely affects parents’ quality of life and the caregiver burden. Since mothers tend to be the primary caregivers more often, this study focuses on previously unexplored experiences of mothers of four RPNDs: 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), Angelman syndrome (AS), Dravet syndrome (DS) and Williams syndrome (WS). A cross-sectional survey of 302 mothers revealed that, while caring for RPND children seriously impacts well-being and stress in all mothers, there also exist some significant differences in diagnostic experiences, quality of life and the caregiver burden across conditions. DS and AS mothers reported difficulties in the access to and reimbursement for modern genetic testing and psychological support. DS and WS mothers were concerned over the impact of the delayed diagnosis on unnecessary hospitalisations and medication in their children. 22q11.2DS mothers felt more supported than others. While DS and AS mothers reported a greater burden in caregiving and reduced quality of life, WS mothers reported significantly lower burdens and higher scores across all quality-of-life domains. Mothers’ financial well-being, employment status and early diagnosis significantly influenced their experiences. These findings underscore the need for tailored support for RPND mothers, with a focus on early diagnosis and financial and psychological help.

Experiences of communication in the neonatal intensive care unit for mothers with a preferred language other than English.

To understand the experiences of mothers with a preferred language other than English (PLOE) in communicating with staff and engaging in the care of their hospitalized infant. We qualitatively analyzed a previously collected and a prospective dataset comprised of transcripts of 36 interviews with Spanish-, Haitian Creole-, and Brazilian Portuguese-speaking mothers of preterm infants from 3 NICUs. We applied the constant comparative method to develop codes and themes, which were inductively structured using the socio-ecological framework. We identified themes across socio-ecological levels: Individual (unaddressed language barriers, varied maternal empowerment, and justification of suboptimal interpreter use); Interpersonal (family-staff language concordance facilitating engagement, positive impact of non-interpreted informal interactions, and differential treatment based on maternal language status); Institutional (system-level interpretation barriers and varied interpreter service quality). Mothers with PLOE face multilevel communication and engagement barriers in the NICU; we discuss potential interventions to improve equity in these areas.

Being pregnant, giving birth, and being a mother in the covid-19 pandemic: women's voices

This study aims at understanding the experience of pregnancy, delivery and motherhood during the Covid-19 pandemic in Ceara, Brazil. Qualitative exploratory research was carried out in Fortaleza, Ceara, from January to March 2022, with a sample of 30 women who were participants in a larger cohort study. The semistructured interviews was analyzed through the Thematic Oral History technique and Bardin's thematic content analysis method. The participants had an average age of 29.7 years. Most had one to two children, a monthly income equal to or less than one minimum wage, stable relationship and had not been affected by SARS-CoV-2. The analysis favored the emergence of three categories: challenges, feelings and experiences lived by participants about being pregnant, giving birth and being a mother in the Covid-19 pandemic. The findings suggest that the social isolation resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, its socioeconomic impacts and the organization of health services resulted in negative experiences these experiences favoring the emergence of fear, anxiety, insecurity and stress. Thus, this article makes it possible to subsidize healthcare services to observe more humanized models for women in contexts of health crisis.