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Mothering Alone: The Adjustment to Motherhood

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Motherhood and Postnatal Depression

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Abstract

This chapter highlights the challenges and complexities associated with early motherhood and the need for ongoing support. We show in this chapter that the need for support is heightened when women become mothers as they are often isolated from other mothers in Western society. Support is important in the early postpartum period before women are diagnosed with PND. Early discharge from hospital can impair the amount of information, guidance, and support that women receive when they become mothers. As a result, they attempt to learn about mothering, and are often struggling to master breast-feeding and settling techniques in the privacy of their own homes with little support from others. Most women are disappointed with the amount of support they receive from partners, mothers, and others. The partners work long hours and are unable to give the women the support they need as new mothers. Of importance, the partners’ reports match those of the women regarding the lack of support. The lack of support from others highlights the women’s feeling of mothering alone and its impact on their personal identities. The chronic sleep deprivation contributes to women’s sense of failure and affects their physical and emotional well-being.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Peace of Mind Parenting Support, 3126, Eltham, Victoria, Australia

    Carolyn Westall

  2. School of Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia

    Pranee Liamputtong

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  1. Carolyn Westall
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Westall, C., Liamputtong, P. (2011). Mothering Alone: The Adjustment to Motherhood. In: Motherhood and Postnatal Depression. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1694-0_5

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