Linda Sweet1, Zoe Bradfield2, Vidanka Vasilevski3, Karen Wynter3, Yvonne Hauck2, Lesley Kuliukas4, Caroline S E Homer5, Rebecca A Szabo6, Alyce N Wilson5. 1. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Western Health Partnership, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address: l.sweet@deakin.edu.au. 2. School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Curtin University, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Nursing, Midwifery Education and Research, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Western Australia, Australia. 3. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Western Health Partnership, Victoria, Australia. 4. School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Curtin University, Western Australia, Australia. 5. Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia. 6. Gandel Simulation Service, Royal Women's Hospital in partnership with The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Substantial public health measures occurred in Australian society during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the risk of community transmission. Little was known about the impact of these changes on childbearing women. AIM: To describe childbearing women's experiences of becoming a mother during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. METHODS: A qualitative exploratory design using semi-structured interviews was used. Women were recruited through social media and self-nominated to participate in an interview. Maximum variation sampling was used. A total of 27 interviews were conducted with women across Australia. Data were analysed thematically. FINDINGS: The thematic analysis resulted in four primary themes and ten sub-themes. The themes were 'going it alone - having a baby was an isolating experience' ('receiving maternity care alone', 'dealing with government restrictions', and 'desiring social support'), 'advocating for self or others' ('seeking reliable information', 'valuing peersupport', and 'having to be resourceful'), 'finding a way through' ('a changed experience for all', 'managing stress and anxiety', 'requiring constant adjustments', and 'managing fear mongering'), and 'keeping safe'. CONCLUSION: Becoming a mother during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia was a profound experience for the women. Following the public health initiatives which resulted in physical distancing restrictions, isolation, and the need to provide and receive social and peer support were common experiences. Whilst public health initiatives are implemented to keep people safe, the social and emotional toll on childbearing women should be considered by healthcare professionals. Childbearing women need to be safe but also require support and reassurance.
BACKGROUND: Substantial public health measures occurred in Australian society during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the risk of community transmission. Little was known about the impact of these changes on childbearing women. AIM: To describe childbearing women's experiences of becoming a mother during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. METHODS: A qualitative exploratory design using semi-structured interviews was used. Women were recruited through social media and self-nominated to participate in an interview. Maximum variation sampling was used. A total of 27 interviews were conducted with women across Australia. Data were analysed thematically. FINDINGS: The thematic analysis resulted in four primary themes and ten sub-themes. The themes were 'going it alone - having a baby was an isolating experience' ('receiving maternity care alone', 'dealing with government restrictions', and 'desiring social support'), 'advocating for self or others' ('seeking reliable information', 'valuing peersupport', and 'having to be resourceful'), 'finding a way through' ('a changed experience for all', 'managing stress and anxiety', 'requiring constant adjustments', and 'managing fear mongering'), and 'keeping safe'. CONCLUSION: Becoming a mother during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia was a profound experience for the women. Following the public health initiatives which resulted in physical distancing restrictions, isolation, and the need to provide and receive social and peer support were common experiences. Whilst public health initiatives are implemented to keep people safe, the social and emotional toll on childbearing women should be considered by healthcare professionals. Childbearing women need to be safe but also require support and reassurance.
Authors: Virginia M Stulz; Zoe Bradfield; Allison Cummins; Christine Catling; Linda Sweet; Rhona McInnes; Karen McLaughlin; Jan Taylor; Donna Hartz; Athena Sheehan Journal: Women Birth Date: 2021-10-14 Impact factor: 3.349
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