'It gives me purpose': stories shared by Aboriginal mothers and their perspectives on nurturing resilience

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have unique experiences of motherhood, underpinned by intergenerational cultural knowledge and holistic practices. Ongoing colonial violence perpetuates adversity associated with peri- and post-natal health and wellbeing outcomes. Aboriginal mothers' perceptions of resilience are not well understood, with resilience predominantly framed by Eurocentric understandings. Subsequently, this research explored the gap of post-natal resilience from an Aboriginal perspective.

The research expands upon the "Corka Bubs" research of Aboriginal mothers in the antenatal period which sought to develop a novel care package to reduce adverse experiences. Utilising an Indigenous methodological lens, yarning took place with five mothers and the transcribed material was thematically analysed.

Four core themes for Aboriginal resilience in motherhood were identified: Connection, Learning and Growing, Caring for Self and Others, and Identity. Combined, these connections enabled mothers to combat adversity and remain strong for their children.

The stories shared contribute to strengths-based understandings of Aboriginal resilience. Our findings suggest that Aboriginal mothers' resilience is grounded within holistic and collectivist values, differing from Western perceptions of resilience.