Mothers and deployment: Understanding the experiences and support needs of deploying mothers of children birth to five

ABSTRACT

Military deployments can demand long separations of service members and their families. The strain of separation is particularly acute for mothers of very young children. This study aimed to better understand the deployment and reintegration experiences of service members who are mothers of young children. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with 12 service member mothers who deployed to Iraq and/or Afghanistan when one or more of their children was younger than age 6. Discussions explored experiences before, during, and after deployment; needs and challenges at each stage; available support resources and gaps in support. Thematic data analysis was conducted, drawing on principles of grounded theory. Disruption and continuity were central themes as participants illuminated the challenges they faced and their profound dedication to sustaining strong family relationships across the deployment cycle. Relinquishing, reassuming, and balancing multiple roles and responsibilities are additional themes that were frequently evoked. Participants noted a lack of formal resources responsive to their needs and circumstances and highlighted a need for services tailored to mothers who are deploying. Military mothers, particularly mothers of young children, face distinct challenges surrounding deployment. Better understanding their experiences and support needs can inform tailored services to meet their needs.

KEYWORDS:

• Family relationships
• military
• mothers
• reintegration
• young children

Acknowledgments

The author wishes to thank the study participants for sharing their experiences and insights as mothers and service members. The author also wishes to thank Gail Gunter Hunt for sharing her expertise on women veterans' issues and assisting in conducting focus groups, Bethsaida Nieves for research assistance on this study, and Team Red White & Blue, in particular Research Director Caroline Angel and Founder Mike Erwin, for their support for this study.

Funding

The author wishes to acknowledge the support of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health & Society Scholars Program at University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the UW-Madison Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health Program (BIRCWH grant K12 HD055894).

Additional information

Funding

The author wishes to acknowledge the support of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health & Society Scholars Program at University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the UW-Madison Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health Program (BIRCWH grant K12 HD055894).