Maternal Knowing and Social Networks: Understanding First-Time Mothers’ Search for Information and Support Through Online and Offline Social Networks

Abstract

The postpartum period is an exciting yet stressful time for first-time mothers, and although the experience may vary, all mothers need support during this crucial period. In Canada, there has been a shift for universal postpartum services to be offered predominantly online. However, due to a paucity of literature, it is difficult to determine the degree to which mothers' needs are being effectively addressed. The aim of this study was to examine and understand how first-time mothers accessed support and information (online and offline) during the first 6 months of their postpartum period. Using feminist poststructuralism methodology, data were collected from focus groups and e-interviews, and analyzed using discourse analysis. Findings indicate that peer support is greatly valued, and mothers often use social media to make in-person social connections. Findings highlight how accessing support and information is socially and institutionally constructed and provide direction for health professionals to provide accessible postpartum care.

What matters to women in the postnatal period: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies

“…, [31], [34], [36], [37], [45], [46], [47], [53], [57], Coping with feelings of acute fatigue and exhaustion-Women experience extreme tiredness and exhaustion, often compounded by a lack of sleep which can impact on many aspects of life. This can leave women feeling stressed and unable to focus or retain information (including information and advice given by health professionals).…”

“…13 studies- [26], [29], [34], [35], [37], [38], [40], [42], [44], [47], [49], [53], [ 16 studies- [26], [28], [33], [34] [36], [37], [40], [41], [45], [47], [48], [49], [52], [56], [57], [58] High "I was alone with my baby, in such a chaotic situation. I found myself wasting a lot of time.…”

“…15 studies- [26], [27], [28], [32], [33], [38], [41], [43], [44], [45], [46], [52], [53], [57], [59] High 'Yeah, we all get together and sort of lash things out and talk, babies . .…”

“…4 studies- [38], [44], [45] Coping with labour and birth induced trauma-Women feel unprepared for the physical and psychological effects of labour & birth induced trauma and the impact this has on their ability to provide appropriate care for their baby (and other children). Women experience feelings of fear and anxiety associated with the long-term management of caesarean section wounds, perineal damage, bladder problems, vaginal bleeding and general discomfort.…”

Glocalised Motherhood: Sociality and Affect in Migrant Mothers’ Online Communities

“…Johnson, 2015;Lupton et al, 2016) and migration (Diminescu, 2008;Francisco-Menchavez, 2018;Komito, 2011). Studies of mothers' online practices suggest that a desire for knowledge and support from other mothers is a key driver of mothers' use of online maternal networks (Madge and O'Connor, 2006;Price et al, 2018). Although much has been made of mothers' fear of judgement from other mothers (Moore and Abetz, 2016), studies of mothers' online and offline information-seeking suggest that mothers prefer to seek information from other mothers with whom they have an 'experiential overlap' (Davis, 2015: 168).…”