In this study of the phenomenon of the postpartum period grounded theory methodology was used to investigate the experiences of first-time mothers during the first three months following their deliveries. The sample consisted of 12 primipara women and 3 multipara women. The data were generated by using unstructured interviews and field notes. Each woman was interviewed twice, the first time between 2 and 3 weeks postpartum, and the second time between 10 and 12 weeks postpartum. The final data for analysis consisted of: data generated through interviews, field notes, and the narratives of four mothers found in the non-fiction literature. Constant comparative analysis resulted in the generation of four categories and corresponding subcategories. These were: (1) Giving of Self; (2) Redefining Self; (3) Redefining Relationships; and (4) Redefining Professional Goals. The categories were not mutually exclusive. All the categories converged to provide support for the core variable 'Dialectic in Becoming a Mother'. The dialectic perspective demonstrated that, in becoming mothers, the women experienced transition, contradictions, tensions and transformations. A theoretical model was developed to show relationships among these major concepts. The findings of this study will be useful in effecting change in the provision of care to postpartum women and their families.

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Using the grounded theory method, a substantive theory of surviving on the margin of a profession emerged as the core variable that explains the patterns of behavior of black nurses in Canada. Data were collected through audiotaped in-depth interviews of 20 black nurses. The three phases of this theory are realizing, surviving, and thriving and the three critical transitions points are the center, the margin, and the proving ground. The phases and transitions points, as well as the conditions that influence variations in the theory are the focus of this paper. These conditions include racism, diversity, and worklife issues such as healthy workplaces.

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We describe the simple fabrication of a glass microelectrode that was designed for the stable impalement of contracting isolated cardiac preparations. The electrodes can be made with the aid of a standard pipette puller. The design uses a long-shanked glass electrode that is stepped below the shoulder at 70 degrees to the shaft and again near the tip. The electrodes are of marginally higher resistance than equivalent length straight electrodes (34.9 vs. 26.0 M omega). The stepped design imparts a low stiffness to the electrode in the vertical and horizontal planes, and the mechanical basis for this performance is described and discussed with regard to measured behavior. The duration of impalements with stepped electrodes is significantly longer than for straight electrodes and can usually be maintained for indefinite periods with minimal damage to small, highly contractile muscle preparations.