[Empowerment in support groups for mothers with small children]

The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of new mothers in peer support groups. The subjects were 14 mothers, each with children under 12 months of age. The mothers were members of one of three support groups either organized by public health nurses in a health center or midwives in two birthing centers. The data was collected through participant observations and interviews. Analysis of the data-the group experiences of mothers-allowed for categorization into three areas of support: 1) reassurance of oneself as a mother, 2) gaining power to form a relationship with the baby, and 3) reconstruction of one's own personal life. Results of the study showed that the support group was a source of empowerment for the new mothers. The elements of empowerment are indicated in the listed categories.