THE DIALECTIC IN BECOMING A MOTHER - EXPERIENCING A POSTPARTUM PHENOMENON

In this study of the phenomenon of the postpartum period grounded theo ry methodology was used to investigate the experiences of first-time m others during the first three months following their deliveries. The s ample consisted of 12 primipara women and 3 multipara women. The data were generated by using unstructured interviews and field notes. Each woman was interviewed twice, the first time between 2 and 3 weeks post partum, and the second time between 10 and 12 weeks postpartum The fin al data for analysis consisted of: data generated through interviews, field notes, and the narratives of four mothers found in the non-ficti on literature. Constant comparative analysis resulted in the generatio n of four categories and corresponding subcategories. These were: (1) Giving of Self; (2) Redefining Self; (3) Redefining Relationships; and (4) Redefining Professional Goals. The categories were not mutually e xclusive. Al the categories converged to provide support for the core variable 'Dialectic in Becoming a Mother'. The dialectic perspective d emonstrated that, in becoming mothers, the women experienced transitio n, contradictions, tensions and transformations. A theoretical model w as developed to show relationships among these major concepts. The fin dings of this study will be useful in effecting change in the provisio n of care to postpartum women and their families.