‘Me and My Child’: Parenting Experiences of Young Mothers Leaving Care

Abstract

Previous research suggests that a woman's past experiences of being parented will have a significant influence on how she parents her own children. This study, reported by Amanda Maxwell, Julie Proctor and Linda Hammond, aimed to explore young care-leaving mothers' experiences of motherhood, focusing on their experience of themselves as mothers, their relationship with their child and their understanding of their child's experiences. Six mothers were interviewed who had spent time in care and were teenagers at the time of the birth of their child. They also completed diaries of their experiences over a two-week period. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and super-ordinate themes were identified. These themes were represented as dialectical positions and included: the ideal and reality; motherhood as building positive views of self and other, but also highlighting vulnerability; identification with her child but also feeling taken over by him or her; and external world as needed but also unwanted and destabilising. These results are discussed in relation to existing literature, and practice and research implications are considered.

‘Me and my Bump’: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experiences of pregnancy for vulnerable women

“…Pregnancy generated hope for the future (Chase et al, 2009;Schwerdtfeger & Wampler, 2009;Pryce & Samuels, 2010;O"Mahen et al, 2011). The responsibility of pregnancy was seen in a positive light, stimulating self-caring and protective behaviour (Armstrong & Pooley, 2005;Chase et al, 2009;Maxwell, Proctor & Hammond, 2011). Pregnancy was also seen by some women as an opportunity to receive love, suggesting a, perhaps sadly misplaced, hope that the baby might meet some of the mothers" own emotional needs.…”

Results of the First Steps study: a randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation of the Group Family Nurse Partnership (gFNP) programme compared with usual care in improving outcomes for high-risk mothers and their children and preventing abuse

“…This research outlines the personal vulnerabilities and structural challenges faced by this group, 147,149,150 but also notes some more positive aspects of parenthood. Becoming a mother was reported as presenting an opportunity 'to set "right" the 'wrong of their past' 151 in terms of both young people's own family history and in motivating them to stabilise their lifestyle and circumstances. 152 Having a child of their own was for many women the first time they could develop a relationship offering a sense of permanency and in a family in which 'their value and membership could not be questioned'.…”

“…149 In contrast to their childhood experiences, young mothers said they hoped to be an 'ideal' good parent, although found the LOOKED-AFTER CHILDREN NESTED STUDY NIHR Journals Library www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk reality to be challenging and sometimes overwhelmingly demanding, expressing self-doubt about their competence. 151 Studies reported women's mistrust of social services and resulting reluctance to seek professional support. 151,152 However, in general, motherhood was described as rewarding and 'an opportunity for healing and renewal', 153 despite also putting these women at increased risk.…”

“…151 Studies reported women's mistrust of social services and resulting reluctance to seek professional support. 151,152 However, in general, motherhood was described as rewarding and 'an opportunity for healing and renewal', 153 despite also putting these women at increased risk.…”

“…Researchers call for the provision of effective sex and relationships education for LACs, 152 tailored antenatal services, 149 increased support in developing emotional understanding, 153 recognition of the positive achievements of young mothers, 148 interventions to promote social inclusion, 151,154 and the development of a shared understanding among professionals of why young people may be deterred from seeking help. 147 There is evidence that LACs are undoubtedly a vulnerable group, particularly those who 'graduate out' of care into adulthood prematurely (compared with most 18-year-olds), often into early pregnancy 155,156 and often without the benefit of a stable relationship or a supportive family.…”