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Published VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Mother’s experiences of shame and compassion in the early postnatal period: a thematic analysis
Midwifery, Vol.147, pp.1-7
2025
PMID: 40367717
Abstract
Background
Mothers are less likely to seek support from maternity care providers who appear critical or judgmental. While compassion from providers can help mitigate the impact of shame, the experiences of shame within a mothers’ close support network remains unexplored.
Aim
The aim of the present study was to explore mothers’ experiences of shame and compassion within their support networks in the early postpartum period.
Methods
Fourteen mothers were recruited when their babies were approximately 3-months old from a larger Australian study on shame and compassion. A thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews was undertaken.
Findings
Six themes were identified by the authors: (1) unravelling judgment; (2) are you with me or against me?; (3) the voice of doubt: am I failing at this?; (4) when mothering ideals don’t work out: managing shame in your village; (5) finding the right kind of support; and (6) weaving kindness into your role as a mother. All mothers, regardless of who shamed them turned towards others who were sensitive, sympathetic, and empathic, to cope with the shame experience.
Discussion
Shame experiences can significantly influence mothers’ willingness to access support, impacting their mental health. Maternity care providers can play a critical role in recognising and addressing these dynamics to foster a more supportive environment.
Conclusion
Understanding the complexities of shame and compassion can guide providers in creating compassionate care strategies that better serve mothers during this vulnerable period.
Details
- Title
- Mother’s experiences of shame and compassion in the early postnatal period: a thematic analysis
- Authors
- Julia Marsden (Corresponding Author) - Southern Cross UniversityKoa Whittingham - The University of QueenslandJenny Ziviani - The University of QueenslandSophie O’Brien - Southern Cross UniversityRebecca Redmond - Southern Cross UniversityJulie Jomeen - Southern Cross UniversityPamela Meredith - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Occupational Therapy
- Publication details
- Midwifery, Vol.147, pp.1-7
- Publisher
- Churchill Livingstone
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.midw.2025.104454
- ISSN
- 1532-3099; 0266-6138
- PMID
- 40367717
- Copyright note
- © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
- Grant note
- The first author completed this work with funding from an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship and a top-up scholarship from the Children’s Health Foundation.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Occupational Therapy; Cancer Research Cluster; School of Health - Psychology
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991130099802621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Nursing
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