Becoming a Mother During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Time of Resilience and Reflection

Abstract

Background: Giving birth during a pandemic has not been experienced in the last 100 years. The psychological effects on new mothers related to the COVID-19 pandemic are not yet well-known. Objective: This research explored the lived experiences of mothers who were pregnant and gave birth during the pandemic. Methodology: The design of the study was a qualitative phenomenological analysis. Data were collected through one-on-one, semi-structured interviews conducted on a secure Zoom platform until thematic redundancy occurred. Colaizzi’s method was used to analyze the narratives of a sample of ten mothers who gave birth during the pandemic. Results: Participants’ poignantly described the joys and challenges of giving birth during the pandemic. Five theme clusters emerged from the data: Expecting with fear and uncertainty while living in isolation; Giving birth in a changed environment; Breastfeeding, it’s different every time; Not what I expected from life after giving birth, and A year of mixed emotions. Limitations: The sample was limited to women living in the Northeast part of the U.S. Subsequently, the experience described may have been different from women in other regions and demographics. Clinical Implications: The findings of this study illustrate the need for health education, notably breastfeeding education for first-time and experienced mothers. Since the coming months and years will continue to be unprecedented times, nurses in obstetrics, pediatrics and primary care should be attentive to any long-term psychosocial problems during routine visits.