Lived experiences of school-going early mothers in Swaziland

Abstract

This study explored the lived family and community experiences of Swazi school-going early mothers (N = 15; age range 13–22 years). Participants responded to family and community relationship experiences focus group discussions. The data were content thematically analysed. The findings suggest that early mothers experience strained relationships with their fathers, and receive emotional and material support from their mothers. The young mothers perceived themselves to be discriminated against by teachers in educational support. Early motherhood appeared to cause feelings of happiness, regret and anxiety in many, and a personal sense of satisfaction and accomplishment in some.

Keywords:

• early mothers
• experiences
• motherhood
• Swaziland
• teen mothers
• teenage pregnancy