Stories of Motherhood
The Stories of Motherhood study aims to hear the voices of women about their experiences of motherhood in the first two decades after having their first child. We are inviting women to take part In interviews that will focus on how women’s health and wellbeing has evolved over this period. Our goal is to identify patterns in what is important to women, what has promoted and enabled their health and wellbeing, and where social, organisational, and service system changes could make tangible differences to the lives of women, children, and families.
What is already known?
Our longitudinal research involving over 1500 Victorian first-time mothers shows that 18 years after the birth of their first child,
90% of women are juggling paid work with caring roles for adolescent children
67% of women are living with the biological father of their first child
71% of women are experiencing extreme tiredness or exhaustion, 54% are coping with chronic back pain and 46% with urinary incontinence
27% of women are experiencing depressive or anxiety symptoms and 26% are using psychotropic medication.
What this study adds
The experiences women share with us about their experiences over the first 20 years of motherhood will complementing the extensive epidemiological research already undertaken since their first pregnancy. Together, these insights will be used to inform evidence summaries for policy makers and health and social care professionals, as well as community resources to support mothers.
What’s next?
Knowledge generated will be used to develop a targeted research translation and impact strategy, with a particular focus on driving change within Victorian health and mental health service systems.
Where can I read more?
Call to Action #1 Breaking intergenerational cycles of trauma and family violence
Current approaches to prevention of family violence, early intervention and crisis support are failing to safeguard the longer-term mental health and wellbeing of women, children and young people impacted by family violence.
Physical and mental health of women exposed to intimate partner violence in the 10 years after having their first child: an Australian prospective cohort study of first-time mothers
Brown SJ, Conway LJ, FitzPatrick KM, Hegarty K, Mensah F… BMJ Open Open;2021;10(12):e040891.
Frequency of “Time for Self” Is a Significant Predictor of Postnatal Depressive Symptoms: Results from a Prospective Pregnancy Cohort Study
Woolhouse H, Small R, Miller K, Brown SJ. Birth;2016;43(1):58-67
Who can I contact for more information?
Stephanie Brown
Sandra Papadopoullos
Hannah Woolhouse