The Lesbian Childbearing Experience: Assessing Developmental Tasks

Abstract

Selected nursing theories about the childbearing experience are examined as they apply to the assessment of the pregnant lesbian couple. A review of the women's health literature suggests that the lesbian pregnancy experience is characterized by the use of donor insemination, social discrimination and a dependence on peer rather than family networks for social support. Based on these sociocultural constraints, the authors propose that the lesbian couple is faced with greater barriers than are heterosexual parents to achieving the developmental tasks of "safe passage" and acceptance by others of the pregnancy. Future research should document how a lesbian identity affects the pregnant woman's relationship with her mother, her partner's psychosocial development as a parent and the maternal-infant attachment process. Nursing guidelines for assessing parental role development are presented.

Lesbian Experiences and Needs During Childbirth: Guidance for Health Care Providers

“…The ability of the nonpregnant partner to share fully in the pregnancy experience can be impacted by feelings of jealousy, ambivalence, and doubt that are similar to those experienced by heterosexual partners (Tash and Kenney, 1993; Pies, 1985) or by intentional or accidental exclusion from the process by HCPs. It has been recognized that lesbian couples may not be able to express the same level of intimacy with regard to their language and behaviors, such as caressing or kissing, as heterosexual couples (Kenney & Tash, 1992; Stewart, 1999; Wismont & Reame, 1989). This may occur repeatedly throughout the pregnancy and birth or only in the presence of certain HCPs.…”

“…Simkin (1998) advocated for the involvement of “your patient's significant others in decision‐making and planning” (p. 374). Wismont and Reame (1989) advised providing the couple with an environment conducive to a level of intimacy the same as would be afforded a heterosexual couple. Spinks, Andrews, and Boyle (2000) suggested actively soliciting the input and involvement of the female partner throughout the process.…”

Self-Reported Depressive Symptoms in Lesbian Birth Mothers and Comothers

“…Recent research on social support prior to the birth of a child, particularly comparing lesbians to a heterosexual sample, is scarce. Based on their review of the literature, however, Wismont and Reame (1989) concluded that lesbian couples experience social support prior to the birth from friends, whereas heterosexual women receive support from friends and family. Although lesbian mothers in this investigation received social support more from friends than family, the difference is slight.…”

The Lesbian Childbearing Couple: A Case Report

“…Society expects children to be raised in a heterosexual environment and questions the mental health of one raised in a homosexual household. However, research suggests that homosexual parents have no effect on the sexual role development of the child (12). Because of their homosexuality, the couple fears legal recrimination if their lifestyle becomes known, which creates a subtle paranoia regarding custody of the child.…”

“…It is important to assess for maladaptive and inappropriate behavior, such as sexual conflicts and emotional lability, and to intervene when necessary. Ultimately, failure to address problem areas may weaken support given to the biologic parent and impair maternal attachment (12).…”