The Meaning of Becoming a Mother. A Phenomenological-Hermeneutic Study

The transition to motherhood is a life-changing period with dilemmas relating to meaning and relationships. These experiences are described as individual and can be related to existential questions and relationships with family and others, as well as whether healthcare professionals, when meeting with becoming mothers, miss promoting existential aspects. This study aimed to illuminate the meaning of becoming a mother during the transition to motherhood.

The study used an explorative design with a phenomenological hermeneutic approach. Data were collected through open-ended interviews with 22 mothers, eight of whom were pregnant at the time of the interview.

The meaning of becoming a mother was experienced as being profoundly touched and changed. By a sense of belonging and being present in the moment, mothers open up to the possibility of being profoundly emotionally affected, which is understood as essential to their meaning of becoming a mother.

This study reveals that mothers experience intense emotions that can make them vulnerable and open to change, which seems to promote their development of themselves.