Abstract:
Fieldwork for this doctoral research project included a series of three qualitative interviews with 23 women aged between 16 and 40 and additional interviews with several of their partners and other ‘significant others’. By using a narrative approach the researcher was able to explore the women’s experiences of the significant life changes that result from the birth of a first baby and the protective factors that helped them adjust. As an example, how younger women (aged 20 and younger) and mature women (aged 32 and older) experience support was examined. Support experienced as both knowledgeable and respectful helped build a sense of competence and confidence in taking on responsibility for a baby. This paralleled the ‘sense of mastery’ identified as a key protective factor in much of the resilience literature.