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Joan E. Dodgson, PhD, RN, MPH, School of Nursing, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2528 McCarthy Mall, Webster Hall 327, Honolulu, HI 27705, A. Marie Tarrant, PhD(c), MN, RN, Department of Nursing Studies, University of Hong Kong, 4/F, Academic and Administration Block, Faculty of Medicine, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, +852 2819 2643, tarrantm@hkucc.hku.hk, and Yuet-Oi Chee, RN, RM, IBCLC, Everdawn Midwifes, 366 Lockhart Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Becoming a mother is a major role transition in a woman’s life. Although the developmental tasks of pregnancy and mothering have been well researched, few studies have been done in populations with high levels of population-based stress. In Hong Kong during the SARS outbreak, sustained uncertainty caused daily stress for the residents between late-February and early July 2003. Expectant women experienced these stresses with an additional layer of stress related to the threat to their unborn/newborn child. The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of becoming a mother during the SARS outbreak and the ways in which this experience impacted early postpartum mothering. A phenomenological research design was chosen, in which the researcher posed an initial global question. Participants’ responses then lead the interview process. Because women’s experiences had many similarities, saturation was reached after interviewing seven participants. Interviews were conducted in both Cantonese (n = 4) and in English (n = 3). Translated and transcribed interviews were analysed for reoccurring themes. Four themes emerged living with uncertainty, intense vigilance, isolation, and disrupted expectations. Participants spoke of disrupted daily routines as they tried to eliminate their risk of contracting SARS, including relationship difficulties with their spouses. None of the women had the birth experience they had hoped for due to changes in hospital practices. Normally families’ share in the joy of birth, women spoke of why this did not happen. A normal process became an isolating ordeal.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Maternal Well-Being, International MCH
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.