Becoming mothers. Multiple sclerosis and motherhood: A qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose. 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.

Method. 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.

Conclusion. 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.

Keywords:

• Multiple sclerosis
• pregnancy
• breastfeeding
• support
• qualitative

Acknowledgments

The authors thank all the women who participated in the study; Kamlesh Nand and Justine Simmons MS Nurse specialists, Gary McMahon and Janet Phare from the Auckland MS Society for their assistance and support of the study; and the New Zealand Families Commission Blue Skies Fund.