[Perception of the transition to motherhood: a phenomenological study in the Barcelona region]

To describe needs and experiences of mothers with children under one year old, to identify the factors that hinder the transition to motherhood, and to design the content of a health promotion program to develop motherhood support group sessions.

A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach.

Eight Primary Care Centres in the province of Barcelona, between July 2011 and July 2012.

A total of 21 mothers participating in group dynamics maternity support: All of them participated in interviews and 8 in focus group.

Semi-structured interviews were used in a purposive sample. The transcriptions were analysed by structure (latent content analysis) and content (manifest content analysis), with different categories being obtained.

The participants in the study defined the construct of motherhood around three categories: Changes in lifestyle, feelings and perceptions. They identified as the most stressful times; «the new role», «changes in the partner relationship», «feelings», «experiences of pregnancy and childbirth», «idealisation», «lack of support», «crying», «colic», «read the signs of the child», «bath», «rest», «contradictory opinions», «learning», and «acquisition of new skills». They highlighted, as key topics for group dynamics, feeding, development, affective relationship, maternal confidence, fathers participation, family role, emotional, rest, massage, bath, accident prevention, colic, first aid, childcare, resources, and vaccines.

Dynamic groups should be contextualised according to the perceived needs of the mothers, and other family members should be allowed to participate.