Women’s Relationships with their Own Mothers in the Early Motherhood Period

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this paper is to explore women's experiences of their relationship with their own mother in the early motherhood period. Method: van Manen's phenomenological approach was used for this research. Thirteen healthy first time expectant mothers were recruited in the antenatal period between 28-34 weeks gestation through antenatal clinics and classes. Women were invited to participate in depth interviews held at three key periods (late pregnancy, 2 weeks and 8 weeks after birth). Interviews were 45-60 minutes long, audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim prior to being analysed. Findings: A key adult relationships that emerged as being important for the participants during the early motherhood period was their relationship with their own mother. Participants' mothers were often very supportive but tensions occurred when participants' mothers were not available or perceived as intrusive. Conclusion: New motherhood involves significant transitions for first time mothers. It is recommended that health agencies such as midwifery and maternal and child health services include significant discussion about communication, relationships and planned support at home in their education and care interventions.

The Ties That Bind: Stories of Women in Prison Who Are Mothers to Older Adult Children

“…Mothers of adult daughters told of specific challenges as their children transitioned to motherhood and the associated restrictions on their grandmother role. Whilst some research has argued that new mothers and their own mothers may experience conflict during this time (Sims & Rofail, 2013), Sheeran, Jones & Welch (2015) suggest that women largely desire continued closeness in their relationship with their mothers as they transition to and experience new motherhood. The grandmother role, is therefore often constructed as an extension of the mothering role.…”