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Transition to motherhood encompasses intensive caring for another and thus may activate adult attachment. The current study aimed to examine the fluctuations in adult attachment among the rarely examined population of experienced mothers during their re‐transition to motherhood. A sample of 186 Israeli women was followed at the third trimester of pregnancy (T1), 2 months (T2) and 5 months (T3) after giving birth. Participants completed questionnaires regarding their background variables and adult attachment. The findings showed that while anxious attachment remained stable, avoidant attachment decreased from the end of pregnancy to 8 weeks and 5 months after delivery. Despite its relative stability, adult attachment may fluctuate during significant life transitions in a way that is adjusted to the demands of the changing reality. This fluctuation may occur even when individuals have already experienced a life transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of matrescence, akin to adolescence but for mothers, has gained increasing attention in perinatal psychiatry, marking a paradigm shift towards understanding the holistic development of mothers. Matrescence encompasses the myriad psychological, social, cultural, and existential changes which occur as women transition intomotherhood. Despite advances inmaternalmental health, a bias towards pathologizing maternal experiences persists in research and practice. This commentary advocates for the integration of matrescence into perinatal psychiatry, drawing fromthework of Dana Raphael and contemporary scholarship. Matrescence offers a strengths-based framework that acknowledges both the challenges and opportunities of motherhood, emphasizing the normative aspects of a mother's self-development. By adopting matrescence terminology and nosology, clinicians and researchers can enhance traditional psychiatric classifications. Additionally, matrescence underscores the importance of considering ecological systems and historical factors in maternal well-being, highlighting the need for comprehensive and compassionate healthcare services. Embracing matrescence as a fundamental concept in perinatal psychiatry holds promise for improving maternal mental health outcomes and promoting the flourishing of mothers worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of matrescence, akin to adolescence but for mothers, has gained increasing attention in perinatal psychiatry, marking a paradigm shift towards understanding the holistic development of mothers. Matrescence encompasses the myriad psychological, social, cultural, and existential changes which occur as women transition into motherhood. Despite advances in maternal mental health, a bias towards pathologizing maternal experiences persists in research and practice. This commentary advocates for the integration of matrescence into perinatal psychiatry, drawing from the work of Dana Raphael and contemporary scholarship. Matrescence offers a strengths-based framework that acknowledges both the challenges and opportunities of motherhood, emphasizing the normative aspects of a mother’s self-development. By adopting matrescence terminology and nosology, clinicians and researchers can enhance traditional psychiatric classifications. Additionally, matrescence underscores the importance of considering ecological systems and historical factors in maternal well-being, highlighting the need for comprehensive and compassionate healthcare services. Embracing matrescence as a fundamental concept in perinatal psychiatry holds promise for improving maternal mental health outcomes and promoting the flourishing of mothers worldwide.

This study examined the association between prenatal role overload and maternal responsiveness, with postnatal depressive symptoms as a mediator. Participants were 127 first-time mothers in Hong Kong (M = 32.8, SD = 4.0). Participants completed data collection for self-report on prenatal role overload (Time 1) in the third trimester of pregnancy, postnatal depressive symptoms (Time 2) at 4-month postpartum and maternal responsiveness (Time 3) at 9-month postpartum. The hypothesised mediation model was tested with the Hayes PROCESS macro (model 4). Time 1 prenatal role overload was not directly predictive of later responsiveness (B = −0.06, p =.270). However, the indirect effect of Time 2 postnatal depressive symptoms in the association between Time 1 prenatal role overload and Time 3 responsiveness was significant (unstandardised effect = −0.03, 95% Bootstrapping CI = [−0.081, −0.001]; standardised effect = −0.06, 95% Bootstrapping CI = [−0.152, −0.002]). Findings highlighted that more attention is required to the support provided to first-time expectant mothers to prevent role overload, and that intervention for postnatal depressive symptoms may focus on role overload. The findings also highlighted that postnatal depressive symptoms could be a promising way to increase maternal responsiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background and purpose: Although the transition process to motherhood of mothers who gave birth preterm has been examined using other theories, no studies have yet utilized Meleis's Transition Theory (TT). The aim of this study was to examine the transition process of mothers who gave birth preterm according to Meleis's TT. Methods: This study is a holistic single-pattern qualitative case study. The qualitative research paradigm was used based on the 32-item Qualitative Research Reporting Consolidated Criteria checklist, a guide for qualitative studies. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 10 preterm mothers using a semistructured interview form between February 2019 and December 2021. The thematic analysis analysis method was used for the data obtained. After the data were transcribed, all the documents were read, and the data were deciphered. Using the notes, the codings were themed as titles and subtitles according to Meleis' TT. Results: Three main themes were determined using Meleis' TT: facilitators and inhibitors of the transition process, response patterns to motherhood, and nursing care. Visiting the baby in the intensive care unit, touching, and expressing milk for the baby were found to be important milestones in the mothers' transition process. Conclusion: Mothers faced numerous problems after premature birth and required support to cope with the transition process. They attempted to adapt to the transition to motherhood with the support of nurses, husbands, and families. Implications for practice: The researchers stated that may assist a healthy transition process by supporting health professionals to understand the problems faced by mothers during the transition to motherhood and to provide nursing care according to mothers' needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we explore whether mental representations about birth (birth‐related mindsets) assessed during pregnancy can predict labour and birth in the sense that the perception of birth as a natural (rather than a medical) event increases the probability of a low‐intervention birth. Birth, in turn, might affect short‐term and long‐term psychological well‐being. These assumptions were tested in a longitudinal study (N = 311), spanning the first half of pregnancy and up to 6 months after birth. The results of a single indicator model displayed a sequential process: women who held a more natural mindset prenatally were more likely to have low‐intervention births, which resulted in a more positive evaluation of the birth experience, which in turn predicted well‐being in the first weeks after birth (measured with ecological momentary assessment), and subsequently postpartum depression and post‐traumatic stress symptoms 8 weeks after birth as well as mother‐infant bonding 6 months after birth. The study demonstrates the relevance of psychological factors for childbirth. The construct of a birth‐related mindset could contribute to a better understanding of childbirth and help to make women's birth experiences safer and more satisfying and to improve the transition to motherhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal grandmothers play a vital role in the transition to motherhood for their own daughters. The current study adds to this literature by investigating the lived experience of motherhood for women who lacked a meaningful relationship with their mothers. Ten mothers of children under 2 years of age participated in a semi‐structured interview to explore their lived experiences of being a mother. Women were recruited from two parent‐infant services in Northern Ireland. The interviews were analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three superordinate themes were identified: 'The Birth of a Mother', 'Mourning and Loss' and 'Ghosts in the Nursery'. The first theme captured the significant change of identity women experienced during their transition to motherhood. This identity change shed new light on their own experience of being mothered. The second theme captured the mourning and loss these women felt due to their relationship with their mother. Their lack of meaningful maternal relationships have left a hole impossible to fill. The final theme spoke to the intergenerational element of these mother's experience and their desire to break a cycle of maternal deprivation. The rich content from the interviews highlights the need for services to be aware of this struggle of motherhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Continuity of care as provided by midwives promoting the health and well‐being of new mothers during the postnatal period is critical; thus, access to midwifery services needs to be facilitated. The aim of this study was to describe new mothers' and midwives' experiences and perceptions of a new coordinated postnatal care intervention in a midwifery clinic. Design: New mothers responded to open‐ended questions in a survey, and midwives were interviewed individually about the intervention. A deductive content analysis research related to continuity of care concepts was used. Setting and participants: The study was carried out at a midwifery clinic in a larger city in Sweden, for an eight‐month period in 2019 and 2020. Two hundred and sixteen answers from new mothers and nine interviews with midwives were analysed. Intervention: All registered pregnant women at the midwifery clinic received enhanced postnatal support based on a new coordinated postnatal care model. The focus was on continuity of care, from pregnancy to the postnatal period and included planning for the first weeks after childbirth at the end of pregnancy, early postnatal contact and several visits to the midwifery clinic. Findings New mothers describing the coordinated postnatal care model highlighted continuity and accessibility as empowering factors that made them feel assured and confident. Midwives emphasised the pregnancy to postnatal continuity as crucial to providing care based on individual needs. Key conclusions/Implications for practice: Using a structured and coordinated care model as a midwife that includes planning for the postnatal period together with the pregnant woman at the end of pregnancy may be a good and relatively easy way to create continuity and thus ensure satisfaction and confidence in expectant and new mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition to motherhood is a significant developmental milestone in many women's lives. This transitional period may be more stressful for women with a history of childhood maltreatment (CM) than for women without such a history. This study tested whether parental self-efficacy (PSE) accounts for the link between CM and parental stress in mothers transitioning to motherhood. The study used a convenience sample of 1,306 first-time mothers of children aged two years or younger. Mothers filled out online self-report questionnaires assessing history of CM, PSE, and prenatal stress. Consistent with the hypotheses, exposure to CM was directly associated with greater parental stress. Also, PSE partially mediated the associations between CM and parental stress, such that mothers with a history of childhood abuse reported a lower level of PSE, which in turn was associated with greater parental stress. In conclusion, the study highlights the important role of negative cognitions related to parenting for maternal dysfunction following exposure to childhood abuse. These findings suggest a need to incorporate preventive interventions designed to promote PSE for mothers exposed to CM. Such programs may alleviate parental stress and further support the healthy development of the child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Teenage pregnancy is considered a social and health problem because of its multifaceted consequences for pregnant teens, their family and society. The objectives of this article are 1) to describe the vulnerabilities encountered by pregnant teenagers and their relatives throughout the time of transition from pregnancy to motherhood and 2) to identify the strengths that are mobilized by these individuals during this period. Methods: The qualitative data collection and analysis methodology was based on John Dewey’s Social Inquiry. Participants were recruited from nine health institutions in the North and Northeast departments of Haiti. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews, which were audiotaped, transcribed, and exported for coding after verification and validation. The data were analyzed using the thematic analysis of Paillé and Mucchielli. Results: A total of 50 interviews were conducted with 33 pregnant teenagers (aged 14 - 19 years) and 17 relatives. This research identified vulnerabilities and strengths experienced by the adolescent participants and their relatives during the motherhood transition. Conclusion and Global Health Implications: The experiences, challenges, and vulnerabilities associated with the teenage-motherhood transition and the needs of pregnant teens, partners, and parents were identified in this study. The results indicated that more attention must be given to psychosocial and material support programs for pregnant adolescents and their loved ones during the motherhood transition and after-childbirth period. When logically and effectively implemented, the study results and suggested recommendations can be used as tools for reaching local and global public-health initiatives in Haiti. Copyright © 2022 Philibert and Lapierre. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0.

Previous research mostly focused on early parenting stress or postpartum symptoms of mental illness whereas the topic of a successful transition to motherhood and its long-term effects on parenting and child well-being remained more or less neglected. The present longitudinal study investigated whether a successful transition to motherhood influences emotionally warm parenting behavior, children's emotion regulation, and subjective life satisfaction. A successful transition to motherhood is feeling satisfied, self-efficient, and energetic in the maternal role during the first year after birth. Survey data from a large, nationally representative panel study with four measurement points across 11 years were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). T1 corresponds to child's first year of life, at T2 children were around 3, at T3 the children were around 8, and at T4 children were around 12 years old. The study sample comprised 322 mother–child dyads. Mothers completed questionnaires to assess their early transition to motherhood (T1), children's emotion regulation (T1 and T2), and maternal warmth (T3). At age 12 (T4), children self-reported their life satisfaction. Results confirmed that a successful transition to motherhood had positive, long-term effects on maternal warmth and children's emotion regulation. Moreover, adapting optimally to motherhood had an indirect positive effect on children's subjective life satisfaction at age 12. Life satisfaction was in turn positively affected by maternal warmth and children's emotion regulation. The results highlight the importance of a successful transition to motherhood for parenting, children's emotion regulation, and life satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies on women's maternity care experiences reveal recurring issues that are poor or less than optimal. Women's opinions on the maternal health-related issues that matter most to them are essential if care and services are to be improved. To identify the maternal health-related issues that matter most to women in Ireland, based on their own experiences of maternity care, services and motherhood. A qualitative exploratory study with 24 women. Following university ethical approval, audio-recorded one-to-one telephone interviews were conducted and thematically analysed. We identified two themes, each with four subthemes, connected to a central concept of the invisible woman. Pendulum of care, and subthemes Inconsistent services, All about the baby, Induced anxiety and Information seesaw, illustrated the extremes of care and services that women experienced. Magnitude of motherhood, and subthemes Weight of responsibility, Real-time reassurance, Change of identity and Growth into advocacy , depicted the intensity of their new role while transitioning to motherhood. Findings articulate the issues that mattered most to women in Ireland as they transitioned to motherhood. Some women identified specific research topics/areas, but all of the issues identified can be translated into researchable topics that seek to improve local care and service provision. Given the recurring nature of women's less than satisfactory experiences of aspects of maternity care in many countries, it is likely that conducting research on issues that matters most to women will have the greatest impact on their health, wellbeing and lives as they transition to motherhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction A large number of teenagers in low-resource settings experience pregnancy, with a significant number of these cases happening in sub-Saharan Africa. Teenage pregnancy is associated with unique physical and psychological experiences. Objective To explore the lived experiences of teenage mothers delivering at a tertiary referral hospital in southwestern Uganda. Methods This qualitative study used focus group discussions (FGDs) with teenage mothers in Kasese and Bundibugyo districts in Uganda. We purposively sampled 32 teenage mothers attending a tertiary referral hospital who had been pregnant at least once and had given birth. Sociodemographic information was obtained, and FGDs were conducted to capture the teenagers' experiences transitioning to motherhood. An inductive content analytic approach was used to analyze data.  Results The mean age of the participants was 18.4 (standard deviation [SD], 1.2) years, with the majority (22, 68.8%) being rural dwellers, married (23, 71.9%), unemployed (21, 65.6%), and having attained primary education (23, 71.9%). Teenage mothers' lived experiences were characterized by shattered dreams, concerns about changes in their body size and shape, abandonment and neglect by family members and spouses, considerations of terminating the pregnancy, forced early marriages, family stereotypes, and engaging in sex for survival. The process of transitioning to motherhood occurred along with resilience post-pregnancy and supportive environments from their loved ones, which enabled them to accept reality and care for their children. Conclusions The lived experiences of teenage mothers demonstrated social pressures, fear of abandonment, and poverty as major influences on their mindset and behavior. Further research to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges encountered by teenage mothers will aid the development of culturally appropriate strategies to reduce teenage pregnancy and improve perinatal outcomes., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Uganda National Council of Science and Technology issued approval HS967ES. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of MUST 09/05-17 and Uganda National Council of Science and Technology (UNCST) HS967ES. We also followed the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki for medical research involving human subjects (‘World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki,’ 2013). Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Ngonzi et al.)

Aims: The first year after childbirth involves a major transition for women, which can accentuate inadequacies and feelings of powerlessness, making them vulnerable to depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and frequency of maternal postpartum depressive symptoms at different times after giving birth (0–21 months). Methods: Data were collected cross-sectionally using a web questionnaire containing the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). A total of 888 mothers with children in the age range 0–21 months responded. Results: The results showed different levels of depression over the range of months included in the study. The overall prevalence using EPDS ⩾ 12 was 27.8%. There were higher levels at 9–12 months and 17–21 months. The highest levels of symptoms of depression were found at nine, 12, and 17 months after birth, and the lowest levels at two and 16 months. Conclusions: Many mothers experience symptoms of depression after giving birth that can continue well beyond the child's first year. We have identified different levels of depression at different points in time after giving birth, with highs and lows throughout the first 21 months. This highlights a need to screen for depression more than once during the first years, as well as a closer cooperation between midwives and child healthcare nurses in supporting mothers in the transition to motherhood. This is an important aspect of public health, which not only involves mothers with symptoms of depression, but also their ability to care for their child and a possible negative impact on the child's development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present work aimed to evaluate: (a) the psychometric properties of the Centrality of Event Scale in Italian primiparous and multiparous women; (b) individual differences in those demographic variables that influence change in women's identity and the maternal role acquisition during pregnancy; (c) the association between the extent to which pregnancy has an impact on woman's life story and identity and prenatal attachment; (c) how the centrality of the pregnancy event is related to the experience of PTSD during pregnancy. Background: Pregnancy is a crucial phase in women's life that involves many changes for a woman's role and identity. Methods 319 pregnant women were assessd during the third trimester of pregnancy. Results: Exploratory Factor Analyses confirmed a one-factor solution of the CES. Moreover, the perception of pregnancy as central in women's lives is significantly related to prenatal attachment. Finally, the perception of pregnancy as central in women's lives is positively correlated to PTSD symptoms. Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence on the validity of the scale with pregnant women samples, which may contribute for a better understanding of the impact of pregnancy on women's identity and life story, as well as the underlying psychological challenges related to pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In view of the heightened stress that might accompany a woman's decision to have a child on her own, we examined the experience of personal growth following the transition to motherhood of single mothers by choice and a comparison group of mothers in a couple relationship. We also examined the contribution of attachment style, resilience, and perceived social support to mothers' personal growth. Method: The sample consisted of 152 first-time Israeli mothers aged 28–48 whose children were no older than two. Of them, 76 were single mothers by choice and 76 were in a couple relationship. Results: Single mothers reported higher personal growth and less support from a significant other than mothers in a relationship. In addition, higher age, better economic status, and being a single mother contributed significantly to personal growth. Furthermore, among mothers in a relationship, higher growth was associated with more perceived support from the family, whereas among single mothers, it was associated with more perceived support from a significant other. Conclusion: The results highlight the potential of single mothers by choice to experience personal growth in the transition to motherhood, and the prominent role of support from a significant other in facilitating this experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition to motherhood is a dynamic experience. Antenatal care and education are designed to support women during pregnancy, however childbearing women often report a further need for emotional and social support beyond preparation for birth. Broadening routine antenatal care to included art-based interventions may offer women an opportunity to explore important aspects of the transition to motherhood. The aim of this integrative review is to synthesise research regarding the use of art-based interventions with women during pregnancy. A systematic integrative review of the current evidence-base was conducted. A multi-database keyword search was implemented, and a total of six articles met inclusion criteria. Results were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis framework. Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Three major themes were generated: art-based engagements supported women to express complex emotion, fostered a sense of connection and strengthened personal resourcefulness. Creative expression provided an opportunity to explore important aspects of the motherhood experience including, complex emotion, identity and bonding with the unborn child. Being in a group enhanced the health effects of art-making and the social connection felt supportive when role and identity was evolving. Whilst research on the current topic is emergent, preliminary results suggest that facilitated art-based programs are valuable for pregnant women. Art-based experiences offer women a unique opportunity to explore the full dimensionality of the transition to motherhood which can contribute to improved health and wellbeing. These findings suggest that art-based programs may serve to complement existing antenatal care models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major life transitions, such as the arrival of a new baby, can be stressful, and therefore, costly to one's health. Being in a satisfying romantic relationship has been previously linked with better health, perhaps because it provides access to a bank of psychosocial resources. The objective of the present research was two-fold. First, we examined whether prenatal relationship satisfaction benefitted mothers' postpartum health. Second, we examined whether this association was mediated by reduced postpartum stress. Design: Pregnant women (N = 431) were drawn from a larger prospective pregnancy and birth cohort study. Main Outcome Measures: Participants reported on their relationship satisfaction, perceived stress, and perceived health at two time points: 24–26 weeks of gestation and 6 months postpartum. Results: Greater prenatal romantic satisfaction predicted enhanced perceived postpartum health, and reduced perceived postpartum stress appeared to mediate this link. Conclusion: This research demonstrates that greater prenatal relationship satisfaction is associated with better postpartum health and provides evidence for one potential mechanism for this link: the reduction of perceived postpartum stress. Thus, assessments of women's prenatal relationship satisfaction may help identify those who are at higher risk of experiencing poor postpartum health. Implications for interventions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the psychological processes of pregnant women in different family structures. Aiming to fill this gap, the present study examined the prenatal maternal expectations (common cultural beliefs about what women can expect during the transition to motherhood) of women from lesbian (n = 51), single (n = 57), and heterosexual (n = 893) parented families. The results suggest that maternal expectations differ by family structure. While single women reported relatively high levels of natural-fulfillment maternal expectations, women from lesbian parented families reported relatively low levels of these expectations. Single women reported the highest levels of sacrifice (a belief that parenting requires significant sacrifices from the self) and infant-reflects-mothering maternal expectations (a belief that the infant's behavior reflects one's maternal skills). These differences may reflect the different social pressures and personal challenges each group encounters in the process of deciding to become a mother and implementing the decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we apply the concept of timing to explore the meaning that women attach towards planned and unplanned pregnancy. We conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with 42 Canadian women who were pregnant or recently gave birth to examine how they experience the transition to motherhood. We contend that the timing of pregnancy is a socially constructed norm that impacts women through a complex range of life events and circumstances. Participants’ accounts suggest a gamut of compliance, ambivalence, and defiance towards the “timing of pregnancy” standards. Situating women’s decisions on childbearing within the continuum of their life trajectories and societal expectations surrounding pregnancy allows for better understanding of the interplay between women’s personal choices and the social norms informing these decisions.

This study aimed to understand what was called by mothers, in social networks, "the B-side of motherhood". A qualitative study involving mothers' speeches, during the baby's first year of life, was extracted from 101 blogs, whose central theme was "the B-side of motherhood". The mothers' statements in the blogs were analyzed through thematic analysis and expressed feelings of helplessness, loneliness and ambivalence, characteristic of the period of dependence. There is a confrontation of the idealized social expectations regarding motherhood with the daily maternal experience with the baby, which also generates feelings of guilt for not corresponding to the social ideal. Mothers reported difficulties in dealing with the demands that permeate their personal, social and marital life. The results suggest that in blogs with explicit references to "the B side" of motherhood women talk about what normally remains hidden and denied in social discourse, thus breaking the idealized view of motherhood. Being able to speak freely about aspects of the motherhood experience usually spun off and denied - the B side of motherhood - provides, in addition to relief, a reduction of anxiety and guilt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marriage and underage childbirth is a phenomenon of increasing incidence globally. Adolescent mothers simultaneously encounter multiple developmental challenges related to transition into adulthood, marriage, pregnancy and mothering responsibilities. Despite this, studies investigating postpartum care needs for adolescent mothers are limited. The aim of this study was to explore adolescent mothers' postnatal inpatient experiences and healthcare needs as they moved towards their maternal roles. A descriptive qualitative design was adopted to better understand experiences of adolescent mothers during their transition to becoming mothers. Data were collected using in-depth interviews with eleven adolescent mothers in hospital settings in South Sulawesi, Indonesia and analysed using thematic analysis. Four major themes emerged: (1) breastfeeding problems, (2) disempowerment in caring for the baby, (3) health care encounters, and (4) health care needs for adolescent motherhood transition. Breastfeeding problems and feeling disempowered in caring for their babies after birth was experienced by all adolescent mothers in this study. Furthermore, the health care provided was limited to mandatory hospital tasks with staff failing to recognize adolescent mothers' broader needs. The findings suggest that adolescent mothers need compassionate health education, support and psychological care from midwives in the postpartum ward before hospital discharge. The results highlight important issues in postnatal care provision for adolescent mothers in improving their maternal roles during the transition period. Specific, appropriate interventions for adolescent mothers are needed to support their transition and adaptation to their new roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the identity transition of women when they become mothers and return to work. Twenty‐two first‐time mothers were interviewed at two points in time: just after giving birth and on re‐entry into employment after maternity leave. The findings suggest that this transition is influenced by multiple factors on different levels which include individual factors, such as partner support and career aspirations, organizational factors such as family‐friendly work practices and role models, and societal factors such as social norms and attitudes towards the maternal body. The findings highlight the importance of context by stressing the interrelated nature of factors on the micro‐, meso‐ and macro‐level in order to better understand the identity transition to motherhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The transition to motherhood involves many challenges that require adjustment; included among them are adapting to body changes, forging a maternal identity, and attaching to the baby. Although these tasks may not be easy for any women, those who experienced emotional neglect during childhood may find them especially difficult. Objective The aim of the current study was to examine a model illuminating the mechanism underlying the association between childhood emotional neglect and women's adjustment during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Participants and setting Three hundred and ninety four Israeli women participated in the study, during their pregnancy (Time 1) and two months postpartum (Time 2). Methods Participants filled out a battery of questionnaires assessing their history of childhood emotional neglect, body experience, maternal self-efficacy, attachment to the fetus/baby, and depression. Results Results from structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that childhood emotional neglect was associated with depression at both Time 1 and Time 2. These associations were mediated by the body experience during pregnancy (Time 1) and motherhood (Time 2) as well as by anticipated maternal self-efficacy (Time 1) and maternal self-efficacy (Time 2). The model explained 56% of the variance of postpartum depression (Time 2). Conclusions These findings point to the long-term implications of childhood emotional neglect for women's adjustment to the transition to motherhood. The underlying mechanism suggested by the research model is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective To assess if and how primary care midwives adhere to the guideline by addressing transition to motherhood at the first prenatal booking visit and to what extent there was a difference in addressing transition to motherhood between nulliparous and multiparous women. Design Cross-sectional observational study of video-recorded prenatal booking visits. Setting and participants 126 video recordings of prenatal booking visits with 18 primary care midwives in the Netherlands taking place between August 2010 and April 2011. Measurements Five observers assessed dichotomously if midwives addressed seven topics of transition to motherhood according to the Dutch guideline prenatal midwifery care from the Royal Dutch Organization of Midwives and used six communication techniques. Frequencies and percentages of addressing each topic and communication technique were calculated. Differences between nulliparous and multiparous women were examined with Chi-Square tests or Fischer Exact tests, were appropriate. The agreement between the five observers was quantified using Fleiss' Kappa. Findings During all visits at least one of the seven topics of transition to motherhood was addressed. The topics mother-to-infant bonding and support were addressed respectively in 2% and 16% of the visits. In almost all visits the topics desirability of the pregnancy, experience with the ultrasound examination or abdominal palpation or hearing the foetal heartbeat and practical preparation were addressed. Open questions for addressing transition to motherhood were used in 6% of the prenatal booking visits. Dutch midwives addressed transition to motherhood mostly by giving information (100%) and by using closed-ended questions (94%) and following woman's initiative (90%). Nulliparous women brought up transition to motherhood on their own initiative more often than multiparous women (97% versus 84%). For the topics 'desirability of the pregnancy 'and' practical preparations' and for conversation techniques 'giving information' and 'closed-ended questions', 100% agreement was achieved. However, the topic 'Support' had poor agreement (kappa = 0.19). Key conclusions and implications for practice Although during every visit the transition of motherhood was addressed, the topics mother-to-infant bonding and support should get more attention. Midwives should improve adherence to the guideline by addressing transition to motherhood and by using more open questions. Furthermore, they should focus on taking the initiative to address the transition to motherhood in multiparous women themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study (a) investigates effects of the transition to motherhood on implicit and explicit responses to infant cues; (b) assesses influences of prior parenting and delivery experiences on implicit and explicit responses to infant cues; and (c) investigates relations between implicit and explicit responses to infant cues and parenting beliefs. A total of 45 pregnant women were followed from the sixth month of pregnancy to the third month after the childbirth and were administered a Single Category Implicit Association Test, a semantic differential scale, the Adult Parental Acceptance–Rejection scale, and the Parental Style Questionnaire. The transition to motherhood influenced explicit not implicit responses; only implicit responses were shaped by prior parenting experiences and mode of delivery; and parenting beliefs were related in independent and different ways to implicit and explicit evaluations. These findings indicate that implicit responses are valid and meaningful indices of maternal responsiveness to infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Recollections of own maternal care measured by parental bonding were found to be important in the pregnant woman's construction of herself as a mother. Although these recollections were studied with regard to various variables, there is a dearth of studies associated with pregnancy and childbirth. In this cross‐sectional study, 341 pregnant women were recruited. Measures included a Sociodemographics–Obstetric History Questionnaire; the Childbirth Choices Questionnaire (H. Preis, M. Gozlan, U. Dan, & Y. Benyamini, 2018); the Parental Bonding Instrument (G. Parker, H. Tupling, & L.B. Brown, 1979); a question regarding the planned presence of the woman's mother at delivery; and the Maternal‐Fetal Attachment Scale (M.S. Cranley, 1981). Parental recollections of Care were associated with fewer natural birth choices (hence, a more “medicalized” delivery), lower maternal–fetal attachment, and a wish for the mother's mother to be present at the birth. Parental recollections of Encouragement of Behavioral Freedom in childhood were associated with more natural choices regarding childbirth. In addition, women with higher scores on the parental bonding Denial of Autonomy factor reported stronger maternal–fetal attachment. Thus, early recollections of experiences with caregivers as manifested in parental bonding may be a possible influence on the transition to motherhood, and working through possible difficulties associated with these recollections may improve adjustment to motherhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To promote our theoretical understanding regarding the exploration process during adulthood, the current study focusses on this process as it relates to work and family life roles and the relations between them, during the transition to motherhood. Two instruments assessing vocational and maternal exploration, relating to self and environment dimensions, were developed. Validation was conducted through two independent studies of two groups of Israeli Jewish women during their transition to motherhood: exploratory factor analysis (N = 125) and confirmatory factor analysis (N = 232). Results demonstrated good fit of the model to the data, and reveal statistically significant estimates for each of the measurements. Positive, significant correlations between the two exploration processes were found. The findings support the life-long and holistic approach of career development that exploration is an ongoing process, which occur in different life domains simultaneously. Implications for future research and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we apply the concept of timing to explore the meaning that women attach towards planned and unplanned pregnancy. We conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with 42 Canadian women who were pregnant or recently gave birth to examine how they experience the transition to motherhood. We contend that the timing of pregnancy is a socially constructed norm that impacts women through a complex range of life events and circumstances. Participants' accounts suggest a gamut of compliance, ambivalence, and defiance towards the "timing of pregnancy" standards. Situating women's decisions on childbearing within the continuum of their life trajectories and societal expectations surrounding pregnancy allows for better understanding of the interplay between women's personal choices and the social norms informing these decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the e/valuation of motherhood in the assessment practices of maternity healthcare provided by the welfare state. It argues that while middle-class women can position themselves more easily than working-class women as neoliberal, reflexive and self-responsible client-consumers, and can have their family values reflected back to them by maternity nurses, there is also room for values and subjects of value beyond the dominant symbolic of parenthood. The study draws on ethnographic material from four clinics in Finland. Assessment encounters are considered as sites where mothers-to-be are e/valuated on the basis of classificatory struggle. The analysis shows that in concert with the emphasis of Nordic policy on social equality, a recently introduced standardised numerical risk assessment enables moral judgements on the basis of seemingly class-neutral, scientific, statistics-based knowledge. The nurses integrate this risk assessment into more intuitive, practice-oriented and experience-based assessments of problems. Maternal subjects emerge during these practices that might not always fit into the scales of normality in risk assessment, and that fail to perform respectability and responsibility. However, they are not simply blamed for their own shortcomings, but rather practical solutions are sought in teams, and a variety of values may be recognised or at least tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensive parenting debates reflect the critical importance of a child's early years, and parents' roles in determining later developmental outcomes. Mothers are usually assigned primary responsibility for facilitating their infants' cognitive development through adequate and appropriate sensory stimulation. Drawing on Foucault's technologies of the self, this article explores how new mothers shape their mothering practices in order to provide appropriately stimulating interactions. Using findings from 64 interviews (31 women were interviewed twice, 2 women were interviewed only once) three main positions are identified of how mothers function in relation to their infants' development: mother as committed facilitator, creative provider and careful/caring monitor. The study considers the perceived normative nature of these positions and the impact they can have on middle-class women's subjectivities as new mothers. This analysis of parental agendas and infant cognitive development suggests that a continued focus on the mother's role within early infant development reflects and upholds ideologies of child-centred, intensive mothering, which risks precluding 'alternative' maternal subjectivities and promotes conservative feminine identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that participation in education is incompatible with the transition to motherhood. However, enrolment is overwhelmingly treated as a single status even though participation in education may be combined with employment-resulting in double-status positions, and the fertility implications of double-status positions are less clear-cut. Relying on normative and economic approaches, we develop original and competing hypotheses regarding the effect of double-status positions on the transition to motherhood. We also speculate on how the post-communist transition and institutional context might influence the hypothesised effects. The hypotheses are tested using event history data from the Hungarian Generations and Gender Survey. We employ event history methods, which take into account the potential endogeneity of employment and enrolment decisions. We find robust evidence that first birth rates are higher among women in double-status positions than among women who are merely enrolled, but that difference is smaller in younger cohorts than in older ones. We also find some evidence that first birth rates are lower in double-status positions than among women who are employed but not enrolled. Our findings suggest that the conflict between participation in education and motherhood is mitigated in double-status positions, especially among members of the oldest cohort. Since double status is prevalent in modern societies, but has different meanings in different contexts according to educational system and welfare state, we argue for future research on this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition to motherhood starts early in pregnancy and is completed when the mother feels competent in caring for the infant. Becoming the mother of a child with disabilities is demanding as their needs are complex. The aim of the review was to appraise completed qualitative and quantitative reports on the challenges of mothers of children with disabilities regarding their own transition to motherhood. A review of the literature was carried out through, first, a computerized search strategy to identify relevant studies from selected databases and, second, quality appraisal and thematic analysis of selected studies. The transition to motherhood of children with disabilities takes place in the inside world at home, the outside world external to home and the ‘going-between’ world of travelling between the two worlds. The mothers are challenged at home to integrate basic infant care with technical care of their children. In the outside world they often struggled to ensure that their children got the necessary professional care. Travelling between their homes and healthcare services posed many problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A transição para a maternidade caracteriza-se por um compromisso intenso e envolvimento ativo que requer a reestruturação de responsabilidades e comportamentos. Engloba tarefas relacionadas com a satisfação pessoal, relação com a família de origem e com o cônjuge/companheiro, aceitação do bebé e reestruturação da identidade materna. Enquanto a mulher não desenvolve a perícia e formas particulares de gerir as necessidades, os profissionais de saúde são um recurso importante para o desempenho do novo papel. No estudo analisamos o contributo de intervenções de enfermeiras de Cuidados de Saúde Primários, na promoção da transição para a maternidade. Trata-se de um desenho quasi-experimental, longitudinal, com uma amostra de 134 primíparas, com colheita de dados ao terceiro trimestre de gravidez, primeiro e sexto mês após o parto, tendo-se utilizado a escala Maternal Adjustment and Maternal Attitudes (Kumar, Robson e Smith, 1984), na versão portuguesa de Figueiredo, Mendonça e Sousa (2004). A variável independente assumiu os modos: consulta individual; curso de preparação para o parto/parentalidade; e visita domiciliária. Os resultados evidenciam evolução positiva do ajustamento à maternidade nas dimensões sintomas somáticos e atitudes perante a gravidez e o bebé e evolução negativa da imagem corporal e relação conjugal. A intervenção de Enfermagem não teve efeitos significativos.La transición a la maternidad se caracteriza por un compromiso intenso y una participación activa que requiere la reestructuración de responsabilidades y comportamientos. Incluye tareas relacionadas con la satisfacción personal, relación con la familia de origen y con su cónyuge/pareja, aceptación al bebé, y reestructuración de la identidad materna. Hasta que la mujer no desarrolle conocimientos y formas particulares de gestión de las necesidades, los profesionales de la salud son un recurso importante para el desempeño del nuevo papel. Con el estudio se evaluó la contribución de intervenciones de enfermeras en Atención Primaria de Salud, en la promoción de la transición a la maternidad. Se trata de un diseño cuasi-experimental, longitudinal, con una muestra de 134 primíparas. La recolección de datos se produjo durante el tercer trimestre del embarazo, primero y sexto mes después del nacimiento, con la escala Maternal Adjustment and Maternal Attitudes (Kumar Robson y Smith, 1984), basada en la versión portuguesa de Figueiredo, Mendonça e Sousa (2004). La variable independiente incidió en: la consulta individual; el curso de preparación para el parto / parentalidad; y visita domiciliaria. Los resultados muestran una evolución positiva del ajuste a la maternidad respecto a los síntomas somáticos y actitudes ante el embarazo y el bebé y una evolución negativa de la imagen corporal y la relación conyugal. La intervención de enfermería no tuvo efectos significativos.The transition to motherhood is characterized by an intense commitment and active involvement that requires the restructuring of responsibilities and behaviors. It includes tasks related to personal satisfaction, relationships with family and, partner, accepting the baby, and restructuring of maternal identity. While women do not develop the necessary expertise and particular ways of managing, health professionals are an important resource for the performance of the new role. The study aimed to analyze the contributions of the interventions of primary health care nurses in the transition to motherhood. It is a quasi-experimental and longitudinal study. With a 134 primiparous: the data were collected during the third trimester of pregnancy, and at the first and sixth months after delivery, using the Maternal Attitudes scale (Kumar, Robson and Smith, 1984), Portuguese version by Figueiredo, Mendonça e Sousa (2004). The independent variables were: individual consultation; childbirth/parenthood preparation course; and home visit.The results show positive development of adjustment of somatic symptoms and attitudes to the pregnancy and baby and negative development of body image and marital relationship. Nursing intervention had no significant effects.

Preterm birth represents an interruption to the normal development of maternal identity and is considered a highly stressful event for adult mothers. However, no research has investigated whether or how preterm birth affects the adolescent mother’s transition to motherhood. The current study aimed to explicate the experience of being a mother for adolescent women who experienced a preterm or term birth in Australia. This Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study analyzed interviews with 14 primiparous, English-speaking adolescent mothers (15-19 years; 10 preterm and 4 full term) who participated in three interviews over a 12-month period. Findings suggested few differences in the experience of being a mother due to infant birth status. Instead, the experience of being a mother was fundamentally about transformations to the self. The young women constructed themselves differently as a result of being mothers. Changes included moving away from delinquent behaviors, development of internal resources, growth of a positive view of self, gaining meaning in their lives, and reconciling idealized and actual notions of self and other. This research adds to our understanding of how motherhood shapes the adolescent women’s lives, while also challenging our assumptions about the impact of preterm and full-term birth for adolescent mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied how attachment representations contribute to central components of transition to motherhood, prenatal emotion processing (EP) and emotional availability (EA) of mother–infant interaction, and whether there are group specific differences. Participants were 51 treatment-enrolled substance-abusing (SA) mothers and their infants and 50 non-using comparison dyads with obstetric risk. Mother’s attachment representations (AAI) and EP were assessed prenatally and EA when infants were four months. Results showed that autonomous attachment only had a buffering effect on prenatal EP among comparisons. All SA mothers showed more dysfunctional EP than comparisons and, contrary to comparisons, autonomous SA mothers reported more negative cognitive appraisals and less meta-evaluation of emotions than dismissing SA mothers. Preoccupied SA mothers showed high negative cognitive appraisals, suggesting under-regulation of emotions. Attachment representations were not associated with EA in either group; rather, SA status contributed to global risk in the relationship. Surprisingly, autonomous SA mothers showed a tendency towards intrusiveness. We propose that obstetric risk among comparisons and adverse relational experiences among almost all SA mothers might override the protective role of mother’s autonomous representations for dyadic interaction. We conclude that prenatal emotional turbulence and high interaction risk of all SA mothers calls for holistic treatment for the dyad. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective:The premature birth of their infant can constitute a sudden interruption of the transition to motherhood that requires a reorganisation of the process. The present study aimed to analyse the experience of the transition to motherhood of preterm infants’ mothers, framing it within Stern’s transition to motherhood theory. Method:A semi-structured interview was administered to 30 mothers during the recovery of the infant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The interview explored the experience of mothers related to pregnancy, the infant’s birth and recovery. Results:Thematic Analyses evidenced four interrelated themes: disconnection from the child, perception of maternal inadequacy, loss of parental role and temporal suspension. The themes showed that the mothers’ experience of preterm birth not only concerns the traumatic delivery, but is also embedded in the entire process of becoming a mother within an institutional context. Conclusions:Results were connected to Stern’s theory. Findings revealed difficulties for preterm mothers that could affect the development of the maternal constellation and thus their transition to motherhood. These difficulties may influence the construction of maternal identity, mother’s representation of their child and the bond with their child. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]