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?
Stories of Motherhood is nested in the Mothers’ and Young People’s study - one of few studies, globally, to have tracked women’s health and wellbeing over a 20-year period following the birth of their first child.
From the outset, the Mothers’ and Young People’s Study was designed to provide prospective evidence about the social factors that influence maternal and child health outcomes and patterns of health service use. Findings from the study to date have highlighted the interconnected nature of maternal and child health, and the importance of public health approaches to maternal and child health care beyond the early years of motherhood.
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.
Who can I contact for more information?
Stephanie Brown
Sandra Papadopoullos
Hannah Woolhouse