A qualitative study exploring the support needs of first-time mothers on their journey towards intuitive parenting.

OBJECTIVE

to gain an understanding of the experiences of first-time mothers in the early weeks of motherhood in order to elicit what areas of support these women find empowering in easing their adjustment.

DESIGN

a grounded theory approach was used. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews.

SETTING

an area in the South of England with maternity services provided by a consultant obstetric unit and four midwife-led centres.

PARTICIPANTS

eight primiparous women aged 20-39 years, who had given birth normally at term to a healthy baby.

FINDINGS

five categories 'expert to novice', 'losing touch', 'perceiving expertise', 'restoring balance' and 'falling into place' revealed a journey women travelled as they left behind their comfortable, controlled lives in which they were 'experts' and faced the unknown world of motherhood. Eventually, practice, support and knowledge shared with peers facilitated proficiency and intuitive mothering. Throughout this transition, the overriding concern of the mothers was to develop confidence and skills to give optimal care to their baby. 'Doing it right' emerged as the core category.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

an understanding of the factors women considered to be supportive or inhibitive in easing their adjustment to motherhood might enable midwives to move beyond more traditional forms of postnatal care to explore innovative ways of providing and facilitating access to supportive resources.