In:
British Journal of Midwifery, Mark Allen Group, Vol. 18, No. 2 ( 2010-02), p. 99-103
Abstract:
Growing numbers of openly gay women choose to have children, but there have been few studies on the topic. The aim of this study was to describe the co-mother's experiences of care provided during their partner's pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. Six co-mothers were interviewed between six weeks and three years after the birth of their child. The open interviews were analysed using content analysis. The overall theme of the findings was ‘like everyone else, but not quite’. The following main categories were identified: need for acknowledgement, need for care designed to suit same-sex couples, and in the hands of nursing staff. Co-mothers felt themselves to be ‘like everyone else but not quite’. In order to support the relationship of same-sex parents in parenthood it is important for midwifery staff to recognize co-mothers as an equal parent of the child.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0969-4900
,
2052-4307
DOI:
10.12968/bjom.2010.18.2.46407
Language:
English
Publisher:
Mark Allen Group
Publication Date:
2010
