The Early Postpartum Experience of Previously Infertile Mothers

    Authors

    S. Ladores;K. Aroian

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Jognn

    Keywords

    previously infertile mothers; postpartum; lived experience; phenomenology; IN-VITRO FERTILIZATION; ASSISTED CONCEPTION; ADOLESCENT MOTHERS; MENTAL-HEALTH; HIGH-RISK; DEPRESSION; WOMEN; TRANSITION; PARENTHOOD; PREVALENCE; Nursing; Obstetrics & Gynecology

    Abstract

    ObjectiveTo explore the lived experience of becoming a new mother from the unique perspectives of previously infertile women. DesignA descriptive phenomenological design was used to extract the fundamental structure of the postpartum experience of previously infertile mothers. SettingCentral Florida. ParticipantsTwelve first-time, previously infertile mothers age 27 to 43 years. MethodsFace-to-face interviews were conducted twice with each participant. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Colaizzi's approach. ResultsTwo main themes emerged that described the early postpartum experience of first-time, previously infertile mothers: (a) lingering identity as infertile and (b) gratitude for the gift of motherhood. Participants reported that their lingering identities as infertile and immense gratitude for the gift of motherhood propelled them to establish unrealistic expectations to be perfect mothers. When they were unable to live up this expectation, they censored their feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and shame. ConclusionFindings from this study may help to sensitize health care providers to the difficulties faced by previously infertile women during their transition to motherhood.

    Journal Title

    Jognn-Journal of Obstetric Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing

    Volume

    44

    Issue/Number

    3

    Publication Date

    1-1-2015

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    370

    Last Page

    379

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000354384900007

    ISSN

    0884-2175

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