Objective: This article reviewed the literature and critically analysed the concept of preparation for parenthood. The analysis is mainly of a discursive nature with some theoretical underpinnings. Background: Preparation for parenthood is a concept that is generally used within psychology, sociology and health professional practice especially midwifery, in terms of preparation for birth and parenthood sessions. However, parents often report feeling unprepared during this period. In order to ensure appropriate delivery of support and education during this time it is important to fully understand what preparation for parenthood really means by unravelling its component elements and understanding its contemporary relevance. Methods: A number of sources were searched using the keywords 'preparation' and 'parenthood'. The concept analysis framework put forward by Walker and Avant was used to develop appropriate cases to further illustrate and explore meaning. Results: The literature search confirmed limited evidence with regards to an in-depth exploration of the concept and the separate elements that are related to each other. This investigation is the first of its kind considering the full range of meanings with regards to the concept and the contemporary evidence available. Law, gender, culture and spirituality all influence the concept and thus antecedents and consequences cannot always be applied to contexts which are fundamentally different. Conclusion: Preparation for parenthood is multi-faceted and changing, thus further research with regards to this concept is warranted. This analysis provides the groundwork for the development of measures that may be used within clinical practice.

Objective: The study aimed at understanding the experiences of first-time mothers who returned to work after paid maternity leave. It explored the challenges new mothers faced during the transition of having a baby, taking 14 weeks of paid maternity leave and then returning to work. Background: Traditionally women left paid employment and stayed at home while their children were still young, but recent times have seen a change in local women's labour force participation and the actual lived experiences of Maltese women in the context of transition to parenthood had not been explored. Society still seems to expect that the idea of balancing work and family life is principally a women's issue as traditional gender roles still appear to prevail. Methods: The qualitative paradigm was used to conduct the study by means of a semi-structured interview schedule at three different phases throughout the experience. Ten women were chosen to participate in this study by purposive sampling. The theoretical framework used to guide this thesis included phenomenology, transitional theory as described by van Gennep and feminism. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used during the analysing phase. Results: The resulting three super-ordinate themes identified how after childbirth maternity leave is 'a time of preparation and planning ahead' followed by a period when 'lightening strikes on rejoining the workforce' and 'weathering the storm' via an attempt to balance work and family life. Conclusion: Findings showed that while society encourages mothers to return to work after the birth of their children, few attempts have actually been made to support them during this delicate transition. This study identified the need to improve local policy with regards to family-friendly measures and the importance of an increase in local maternity leave duration. Moreover, the midwife was identified as an important figure that can help empower mothers and prepare them for what is yet to come.

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INTRODUCTIONBody image refers to one's perception of their own appearance. This can be influenced by life experiences, including the experience of pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to explore pregnant women's views of self during their first pregnancy. The objectives included: exploring women's feelings and thoughts about their pregnant bodies; understanding if and how lifestyle adjustments influence women's body image; and recognizing the societal and media impacts on women's self-perception. METHODS A qualitative research design was used. Eight women, who were recruited by purposive sampling from a general state hospital in Malta, were virtually interviewed using a self-designed, semi-structured interview schedule. Data were then thematically analyzed. RESULTS Findings concluded that women's perceived level of attractiveness during pregnancy varied and a desire to gain control over one's own appearance was exhibited. Pregnancy's lifestyle adjustments were difficult for some to uphold, challenging their body image. Moreover, unsolicited comments from society appeared to take their toll on some women's self-perception, encouraging social comparison. Additionally, despite participants' awareness of media's false depictions of pregnant women and their bodies, some could not help but question their pregnant appearance, as a result of this. CONCLUSIONS Ultimately, despite the hardships met in terms of body image, participants were generally happy during their first pregnancy and were excited to meet their baby. The findings of this study provide important in-depth information on body image specific to pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of midwives educating and assessing pregnant women on their perception of their changed pregnant body.

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