Title

The Early Postpartum Experience of Previously Infertile Mothers

Authors

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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