Experiences of mothering across contexts : a qualitative approach

Experiences of Mothering From Prison; A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis: Maternal incarceration can be a disruptive process for the entire family. Incarcerated mothers experience stigma and are often regarded both as criminals and mothers who willingly abandoned their children. There have been several studies examining the impact on the children of incarcerated parents. However, a synthesis of qualitative studies exploring the lived experience of these women is lacking. This systematic review seeks to provide a qualitative evidence synthesis of the literature. The following research question guided the review; what are the experiences and perceptions of being a mother in prison while separated from your children. Using the thematic synthesis method, data from 15 studies were analysed. Four analytical themes were found: 'Barriers to Motherhood', 'Burden of Perceived Maternal Failure', 'Salvation through Motherhood' and 'A Better Future'. Motherhood was both the source of a perceived failing and offered redemption for the incarcerated women. As such, this review supports evidence that the mothering role should be encouraged and facilitated while these women are in prison. 'Nobody taught her how to be a mother'; The Lived Experience of Mothering Without a Mother: Maternal grandmothers play a vital role in the transition to motherhood for their own daughters. Research has explored what the experience of motherhood is like for those whose mother has passed away, and 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 two 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 analysed 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 and provide adequate space and care for these women and their children.