Becoming mothers. Multiple sclerosis and motherhood: a qualitative study.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to provide a better understanding of the experiences of women with multiple sclerosis (MS) in becoming or being a mother. The research also focused on eliciting their perspectives of strategies that helped them and their families manage mothering young children whilst living with MS.


METHODS
A qualitative, interpretive, descriptive approach using individual interviews to elicit and analyze women's experiences of MS and pregnancy, birth, and mothering young children.


RESULTS
Analysis of interviews with nine women produced six key themes: becoming a mother as a public private experience, keeping the baby safe; support; conserving energy; being the ideal mother; and backgrounding of their MS. Having MS required the women to set in place specific strategies for managing pregnancy and motherhood associated with a number of these issues such as gathering information and identifying sources of physical and social support.


CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights how pregnancy and motherhood are valued, but challenging times, for women with MS. Recommendations about how services might respond to the specific challenges for women with MS considering or becoming mothers are proposed.
Payne
Deborah
D
Faculty of Health & Environmental Sciences, Centre of Midwifery & Women's Health Research, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland, New Zealand. Debbie.payne@aut.ac.nz
McPherson
Kathryn M
KM
D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D005221:Fatigue / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009520:New Zealand; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000523:psychology; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support