The Transition From Mother‐of‐one to Mother‐of‐two: Mothers’ Perceptions of Themselves and Their Relationships With Their Firstborn Children

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to explore mothers' perceptions of the transition to second-time motherhood, and advance methodology for supporting mothers during this transition. Fifty-seven pregnant mothers and their firstborn children (M age = 30.3 months) participated in a laboratory procedure in which the mother exposed her child to a brief episode of differential treatment. The episode was designed to simulate an expected experience of caregiving that would occur after the birth of a second child. During a postnatal visit (M=5.72 weeks following childbirth), mothers provided written feedback on their perceptions of the transition and the contribution of the laboratory experience to that transition. Qualitative content analysis revealed that mothers approached the birth of a second child with apprehension. Intrapersonal themes revealed that participation in the procedure shaped mothers' understanding of their expanded maternal roles by enhancing their sense of preparedness and confidence in their abilities to support their children. Interpersonal themes revealed that participation helped mothers appreciate the magnitude of the challenge that their children would face and gave mothers reason to believe that their children would adjust successfully. Findings are discussed in terms of their potential contribution toward developing methodology for helping mothers prepare for the addition of a second child.

The experiences of early postpartum Shenzhen mothers and their need for home visit services: a qualitative exploratory study

“…First-time mothers are said to be less experienced in dealing with the difficulties encountered during the early postpartum period and to have more demands for supportive care than experienced mothers [5]. However, with the recent announcement of the “second child” policy in China in 2016, the birth of a second child could give rise to other concerns for women in China relating to family dynamics and relationships [21].…”

Factors Related to Psychological Distress in Multiparous Women in the First Trimester: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In addition, high stress related to child-rearing was found to increase the risk of anxiety in multiparous women in the first trimester. Child-rearing is a continuous and complicated process, and multiparous women transiting to second pregnancies must care for their earlier-born children while facing physical discomfort during pregnancy, which may interfere with their ability to adequately adjust psychologically (Chapman & Hart, 2017). When children do not perform or behave in accordance to expectations, multiparous women may ascribe this to neglectful or uninvolved parenting (Abidin, 1990).…”

Maternal perception of couple relationship before and after the birth of first and second child and twins

“…The transition to motherhood and the consequent arrival of one or more children lead to several changes for future parents, starting during gestation and continuing for several years after childbirth (Figueiredo et al, 2018). Not only the transition to one child but also the transition from one to two children (Chapman & Hart, 2017) may increase stress and risk of negative mental health outcomes for parents (Mortazavi et al, 2013). This aspect may be especially relevant in the case of transition to parenthood with twin children (Taubman-Ben-Ari et al, 2008).…”

“…However, others have recognized that the transition that occurs upon a successive gestation also constitutes a relevant phase in shaping a woman's and mother's identity related to maternal role expansion (Mercer, 2004) and quality of the couple relationship. Both women's and mothers' identities and behaviors evolve and change with each gestation because pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare environments can be different for each child (Chapman & Hart, 2017), and the marital relationship may also reorganize with each birth (Kreppner & Lerner, 2013). Consequently, the fact that parenting transition occurs with the birth of the first child, the birth of a second child, and in some cases the birth of two children together (gestation of twins), may have different implications for each member of the couple.…”