Transition to Motherhood and Lived Experiences of Teenage Mothers Delivering in Kasese and Bundibugyo Districts, Western Uganda.

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.

A critical need for the concept of matrescence in perinatal psychiatry.

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.

Fluctuations in adult attachment among experienced mothers during re-transitioning to motherhood.

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.

Transition to Motherhood of Puerperal Women With Preterm Birth in a Challenging Lifetime: Transition Theory-Based Study.

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.

Postnatal depressive symptoms mediate the relation between prenatal role overload and responsiveness among first-time mothers.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the association between prenatal role overload and maternal responsiveness, with postnatal depressive symptoms as a mediator. METHODS: 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). RESULTS: 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]). CONCLUSION: 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.

'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. 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.

Las abuelas maternas juegan un papel vital en la transición a la maternidad para sus propias hijas. El presente estudio contribuye a este campo de conocimientos escritos por medio de investigar la experiencia de maternidad vividas por mujeres a quienes les hace falta una significativa relación con sus madres. Diez madres de niños menores de dos años de edad participaron en una entrevista semiestructurada para explorar sus vividas experiencias de ser madre. A las mujeres se les reclutó de dos servicios progenitor-infante en Irlanda del Norte. Se analizaron las entrevistas usando el Análisis Fenomenológico Interpretativo (IPA). Se identificaron tres temas de nivel superior: 'El Nacimiento de una Madre,' 'Lamento y Pérdida' y 'Fantasmas en el Cuarto de la Niña.' El primer tema captó el significativo cambio de identidad que las mujeres experimentan durante su transición a la maternidad. El cambio de identidad arrojó una nueva luz en sus propias experiencias de ser criadas por una madre. El segundo tema captó la lamentación y la pérdida que estas mujeres sentían debido a su relación con sus madres. La falta de significativas relaciones maternas ha dejado un vacío imposible de llenar. El tema final tuvo que ver que el elemento intergeneracional de la experiencia de estas madres y su deseo de romper un ciclo de privación materna. El rico contenido de las entrevistas enfatiza la necesidad de servicios para estar conscientes de esta lucha sobre la maternidad.

Les grands-mères maternelles jouent un rôle vital dans la transition à la maternité de leurs propres filles. Cette étude s'ajoute aux recherches précédentes en enquêtant sur l'expérience vécue de la maternité pour les femmes n'ayant pas eu une relation importante avec leurs mères. Dix mères d'enfant de moins de deux ans ont participé à un entretien semi structuré afin d'explorer leurs expériences vécues du fait d'être maman. Ces femmes ont été recrutées dans deux services parent-bébé en Irlande du Nord. Ces entretiens ont été analysés en utilisant l'Analyse Interprétive Phénoménologique (en anglais Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, soit IPA). Trois thèmes supérieurs ont été identifiés: 'La Naissance d'une Mère', "Deuil et Perte' et 'Fantômes dans la Chambre d'enfant'. Le premier thème a capture le changement d'identité important que les femmes ont vécu durant leurs transitions à la maternité. Ce changement d'identité a apporté un éclairage nouveau sur leur propre expérience d'avoir été maternées. Le second thème a capturé le deuil et la perte que ces femmes ont ressentis du fait de leur lien à leur mère. Leur manque de relations maternelles importantes a laissé un trou impossible à remplir. Le dernier thème fait référence à l'élément intergénérationnel de l'expérience de ces mères et leur désir de casser un cycle de privation maternelle. Ce contenu riche émanant des entretiens met en lumière la prise de connaissance nécessaire de ces difficultés de la maternité dont doivent faire preuve les services.

Support during the postnatal period: Evaluating new mothers' and midwives' experiences of a new, coordinated postnatal care model in a midwifery clinic in Sweden.

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.

Negative/Positive Emotions, Perceived Self-Efficacy and Transition to Motherhood during Pregnancy: A Monitoring Study.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have investigated the topic of emotion regulation and self-perception in women during pregnancy, which turns out to be a critical event for the woman approaching psycho-physical changes. The objectives of the study were the evaluation and monitoring, during pregnancy, of emotional states and levels of self-efficacy and the analysis of the representations of self and the child. METHODS: Twenty women (M = 34.60; SD = 4.60) in the 28-week gestation period participated in the research. We performed three administrations (T0-1-2) of an ad hoc questionnaire containing: personal data; Maternal Representations in Pregnancy Interview-IRMAG; Multidimensional Emotion Questionnaire-MEQ; Perceived Self-Efficacy in Complex Situations Scale. RESULTS: Both qualitative and quantitative analyses show that the future mother's strategies and functional resources focus on perceiving herself as effective in the acquired role, despite the pregnancy itself being a highly stressful critical event. Positive emotions tend to increase, just as the frequency, intensity, persistence and regulation of emotion undergo a linear and constant increase with respect to the first and second administration. CONCLUSIONS: Qualitative research has produced significant results with regard to the representations of mothers-to-be as they attempt to cope with states of change during pregnancy with their own personal adaptive resources.

Vulnerabilities and Strengths of Pregnant Haitian Adolescents and their Families During Transition to Motherhood.

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.

The maternal health-related issues that matter most to women in Ireland as they transition to motherhood - A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: 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. AIMS: 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. METHODS: A qualitative exploratory study with 24 women. Following university ethical approval, audio-recorded one-to-one telephone interviews were conducted and thematically analysed. FINDINGS: 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. DISCUSSION: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.

The Role of Maternal Self-efficacy in the Link Between Childhood Maltreatment and Maternal Stress During Transition to Motherhood.

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.

The Changing Association Between Homeownership and the Transition to Parenthood.

The literature suggests a positive link between homeownership and the transition to parenthood. However, in recent decades, couples' preference for becoming homeowners before having their first child has been undermined by rising housing unaffordability and housing uncertainty. An archetypal example is Britain, where homeownership rates among young adults have fallen substantially as a result of low wages, unemployment, reductions in the availability of mortgage credit, and rising house prices. This situation has produced a housing crisis. Using longitudinal data from the British Household Panel Survey (1991-2008) and the United Kingdom Household Longitudinal Study (2009-2016), we apply multilevel, discrete-time event-history techniques to a sample of women aged 18-42. We investigate whether and how the link between homeownership and entering parenthood has changed in Britain in recent decades. Our findings reveal that in comparison with the 1990s, the likelihood of becoming a parent has declined among homeowners, whereas childbearing rates among private renters have remained stable. Thus, owner-occupiers and private renters have become more similar in terms of their likelihood of entering parenthood. Overall, our findings question the classical micro-level assumption of a positive link between homeownership and transition to parenthood, at least among Britain's "Generation Rent." These findings are subsequently interpreted in terms of increased housing uncertainty.

What is the role played by pregnancy in the construction of a woman's identity and her association with her child-to-be?

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.

Personal growth of single mothers by choice in the transition to motherhood: a comparative study.

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.

Happy prenatal relationships, healthy postpartum mothers: a prospective study of relationship satisfaction, postpartum stress, and health.

OBJECTIVE: 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.

Maternal depression symptoms during the first 21 months after giving birth.

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.

Art-based interventions during pregnancy to support women's wellbeing: An integrative review.

BACKGROUND: 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. AIM: The aim of this integrative review is to synthesise research regarding the use of art-based interventions with women during pregnancy. METHOD: 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. FINDINGS: 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. DISCUSSION: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

Changes in work and care trajectories during the transition to motherhood.

In most mid- and high-income countries, there have been significant demographic, structural, and cultural changes in the past decades. However, we know little about how these changes have shaped women's work patterns during a key life stage: the transition to motherhood. Using longitudinal data from Chile, covering over 30 years of employment histories and three periods of first births (1980-2010), I conduct sequence analysis to identify women's work-care trajectories during an eight-year period of the transition to motherhood. Over time, I find that continuous care work at home has declined, for which education plays a key role, while the chances of working continuously have not changed over time. Instead, I find an increasing trend of unsteady paths that combine paid work with either caretaking or unemployment. I discuss how these changes, as well as their association with education, have important implications for both gender and social inequality.

"O Lado B da Maternidade": Um Estudo Qualitativo a partir de Blogs / "The B-Side of Maternity": A Qualitative Study from Blogs / "El Lado B de la Maternidad": Un Estudio Cualitativo a partir de Blogs

O presente estudo teve como objetivo compreender o que foi denominado pelas mães, nas redes sociais, de "Lado B da maternidade". Foi realizado um estudo qualitativo envolvendo falas de mães, ao longo do primeiro ano de vida do bebê, extraídas de 101 blogs, que tinham como tema central o "Lado B da maternidade". As falas das mães nos blogs foram analisadas por meio de análise temática e expressaram sentimentos de desamparo, solidão e ambivalência, característicos do período de dependência. Há um confronto das expectativas sociais idealizadas em relação à maternidade com a experiência materna cotidiana com o bebê, que acaba gerando na mãe, também, sentimentos de culpa por não estar correspondendo ao ideal social. As mães relataram dificuldades em lidar com as exigências que perpassam sua vida pessoal, social e conjugal. Os resultados sugerem que nos espaços de blogs com referências explicitas ao "Lado B" da maternidade as mulheres falam sobre aquilo que, normalmente, permanece oculto e negado no discurso social, rompendo, assim, com a visão idealizada da maternidade. Poder falar livremente sobre aspectos da experiência da maternidade usualmente cindidos e negados ­ o lado B da maternidade ­, oportuniza, para além do alívio, diminuição de angústia e de culpa. (AU)

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. (AU)

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo comprender lo que las madres llamaron, en las redes sociales, "Lado B de la maternidad". Un estudio cualitativo que incluyó los discursos de las madres, durante el primer año de vida del bebé, fue extraído de 101 blogs, que tenían como tema central el "lado B de la maternidad". Las declaraciones de las madres en los blogs fueron analizadas a través de análisis temáticos y expresaron sentimientos de impotencia, soledad y ambivalencia, característicos del período de dependencia. Hay una confrontación de las expectativas sociales idealizadas con respecto a la maternidad con la experiencia materna diaria con el bebé, que también genera sentimientos de culpa por no corresponder al ideal social. Las madres informaron dificultades para hacer frente a las demandas que impregnan su vida personal, social y marital. Los resultados sugieren que en los blogs con referencias explícitas al "Lado B" de la maternidad, las mujeres hablan sobre lo que normalmente permanece oculto y negado en el discurso social, rompiendo así la visión idealizada de la maternidad. Ser capaz de hablar libremente sobre aspectos de la experiencia de la maternidad que son generalmente escindido y negado, -el lado B de la maternidad- , proporciona, además del alivio, una reducción de la ansiedad y la culpa. (AU)

The Dynamics of Becoming a Mother during Pregnancy and After Childbirth.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between one's maternal attachment style and one's self-image as a mother, image of one's mother as a mother, and bond with the child over a period of several months. METHODS: A total of 86 women took part in the study The Adjective Check List (ACL), Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ), Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS), and a modified version of the Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR) were used. Two measurements were used: during pregnancy and about six months after the birth of the child. RESULTS: In terms of their self-image as mothers, the women had higher results the first time they took the questionnaire, regardless of their attachment style. An interaction effect was found between attachment style and the 'need for changes' scale. The image of one's mother as a mother depended on the level of avoidance in attachment, regardless of the measurement. An interaction effect was found between attachment style and the scale of 'personal adaptation'. There was a correlation between the bond with the child during pregnancy, the bond following birth, and the style of maternal attachment; the main predictor of the bond with the child after birth is the bond with the child during the pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Those who provide care for pregnant women and new mothers should be aware of the complex psychological processes in the transition to motherhood, have knowledge about perinatal mental health, and when necessary, refer women to specialists such as support groups for new mothers, trained midwives, psychologists, psychotherapists, or psychiatrists.