The relationship between disconfirmed expectations of motherhood, depression, and mother–infant attachment in the postnatal period

Abstract

Objective: The postnatal period can be both a rewarding and challenging time. Research has found that experiences of motherhood that are less positive than expected are associated with depressive symptoms, however, no known study to date has examined expectations across the separate domains of motherhood and how they impact on attachment. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate whether discrepancies in a mother's expectations regarding their infant, levels of support, and sense of self and their actual experiences post birth impact on maternal feelings of attachment and depression in the postnatal period. Method: Two hundred and thirty-eight mothers in Australia (aged 19-44) who had given birth in the last 12 months voluntarily completed an online survey. Results: As predicted, results revealed that postnatal experiences that were less positive than expected regarding support and sense of self were associated with higher levels of depression and lower levels of attachment. Regarding infant expectations, experiences that were less positive than expected were associated with lower levels of attachment; however, experiences that were more positive than expected were, unexpectedly, associated with higher levels of depression. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of providing realistic expectations of motherhood through prenatal education and media messages to promote greater wellbeing and bond between mothers and infants which may maximise the chances of positive infant development.

First Time Mothers Definition of a ‘Good’ Mother

“…If women have set this standard for themself and cannot live up to it once they become a mother, guilt and shame may arise. This can be a precursor to depressive symptoms and diagnosis of postpartum depression (Haga et al, 2012;Harwood et al, 2007;Kauppi et al, 2012;Law et al, 2021;Liss et al, 2013;Rizzo & Watsford, 2020). Haga et al (2012) found similar rigid responses in a group of first-time mothers and noted that mothers were either relaxed or controlled in their approach to motherhood.…”

Mothering Identity Experiences: A Backwards Glance

“…For some mothers, similar to findings from Prikhidko and Swank (2018), there is a struggle between what they thought about motherhood and what they experienced. Rizzo and Watsford (2020) found that for new mothers, when reality did not match expectations there was an increase in depression, anxiety, and stress. In this study, the participants who noted this theme concluded that the reality was more meaningful than what they had expected.…”

“…Participants reported experiences of second guessing themselves, questioning themselves, and comparing themselves to others. As warned by Prikhidko and Swank (2018) and Rizzo and Watsford (2020) navigating systemic influences and the perceptions of the ideal mother versus realities of mothering can contribute to mental health issues.…”

“…As these themes can evoke feelings of guilt, self-doubt, grief, insecurity, angst, grief, and other challenging emotions, mothers may seek professional help to navigate those concerns. Mothers may not realize that some of the identified challenges are inherent to motherhood and misunderstand their source (Forbes et al, 2020; Lamar & Forbes, 2020; Rizzo et al, 2013; Rizzo & Watsford, 2020). If mental health professionals are aware of this research, they can incorporate assessment regarding the experience of each role clients who are also mothers play in their daily life.…”

“…Hays (1996) labeled the structural components of the prevailing sentiment around the ideal mother and a woman's adherence to this institutionalized belief as “intensive mothering.” Prikhidko and Swank (2018) noted that these societal pressures of motherhood, as well as the internalized expectations for a mother to achieve the lofty ideal mother, versus the realities of motherhood, may have implications for healthy emotional and mental functioning. Additional research (Forbes et al, 2020; Lamar & Forbes, 2020; Rizzo et al, 2013; Rizzo & Watsford, 2020) supported increased stress, depression, and decreased life satisfaction for mothers whose identity centered around these traditional mothering ideals. However, the focus of studies such as these seemed to be also on the activities associated with mothering rather than perceptions and experiences of mothering and identity.…”