THE TRANSITION FROM MOTHER-OF-ONE TO MOTHER-OF-TWO: MOTHERS' PERCEPTIONS OF THEMSELVES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH THEIR FIRSTBORN CHILDREN

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to explore mothers' perceptions of the transition to second-time motherhood, and advance methodology for supporting mothers during this transition. Fifty-seven pregnant mothers and their firstborn children (M age = 30.3 months) participated in a laboratory procedure in which the mother exposed her child to a brief episode of differential treatment. The episode was designed to simulate an expected experience of caregiving that would occur after the birth of a second child. During a postnatal visit (M=5.72 weeks following childbirth), mothers provided written feedback on their perceptions of the transition and the contribution of the laboratory experience to that transition. Qualitative content analysis revealed that mothers approached the birth of a second child with apprehension. Intrapersonal themes revealed that participation in the procedure shaped mothers' understanding of their expanded maternal roles by enhancing their sense of preparedness and confidence in their abilities to support their children. Interpersonal themes revealed that participation helped mothers appreciate the magnitude of the challenge that their children would face and gave mothers reason to believe that their children would adjust successfully. Findings are discussed in terms of their potential contribution toward developing methodology for helping mothers prepare for the addition of a second child.

Keywords: 2回目に母親になること; Erziehungs-Selbstwirksamkeit; Geburt des Geschwisters; Schwangere; auto-efficacité de parentage; autoeficacia de la crianza; deuxième maternité; expectant mother; identidad del rol de la madre; identité du rôle maternel; madre embarazada; maternal role identity; maternidad por segunda vez; mère enceinte; mütterliche Rollenidentität; nacimiento de un hermano; naissance d'un frère ou d'une sœur; parenting self-efficacy; second-time motherhood; sibling birth; zweite Mutterschaft; きょうだいの誕生; 兄弟姐妹出生; 妊婦; 母親役割アイデンティティ; 母親角色身份; 準媽媽; 第二次作為母親; 育児の自己効力感; 育兒自我效能.