Being in charge - new mothers' perceptions of reflective leadership and motherhood.
OBJECTIVE
To explore new mothers' perceptions of reflective leadership in relation to motherhood.


BACKGROUND
Mindfulness, discovery of a deep personal self, sense of life purpose and authenticity appear to be the essence of self-reflective leadership. In this regard, women may be unprepared for the level of distress associated with the transition to motherhood.


METHODS
This study comprised interviews with ten new mothers on day 2-3 after giving birth conducted between March and May 2005. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and interpreted by a method grounded in hermeneutics.


RESULTS
The content of the text was interpreted as one overall theme; the nature of responsibility in motherhood, encompassing the following four sub-themes: 'Being a good mother by reflecting and developing self-identity', 'managing fear, demands and commitments as a mother', 'having the necessary resources to act and lead as a mother' and 'believing and trusting in others and self as a leader'.


CONCLUSIONS
In the new mother's transformation and growth of self, true strength has to overcome the vulnerability of life by means of caring and courage mediated by reflective leadership anchored in love.
Akerjordet
Kristin
K
Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Health Studies, University of Stavanger, N-4036 Stavanger, Norway. kristin.akerjordet@uis.no
Severinsson
Elisabeth
E
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000517:prevention & control; D004532:Ego; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007857:Leadership; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009664:Norway; D013850:Thinking