Affiliations: Department of Nursing, School of Health and Natural
Sciences, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT, USA | Public Health Nursing, College of Human and Health
Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, UK | College of Nursing, East Carolina University,
Greenville, NC, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Patricia Ann Morgan, School of Health and
Natural Sciences, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Nursing,
University of Saint Joseph', 1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117, USA.
Tel.: +1 860 967 4995; E-mail: pmorgan@usj.edu
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The majority of American women juggle careers
and the demands of mothering. The experiences of midlife mothers on the issues
of work and motherhood are important to explore because birth rates for older
women continue to rise in the United States and in other countries including
the UK and Canada. OBJECTIVE: To present a unique viewpoint on work
and mothering from the perspectives and experiences of older first-time
mothers. METHODS: A purposive sample of thirteen women aged
45–56 years old participated in two in-depth interviews. Findings emerged in
the context of a larger hermeneutic phenomenological study that aimed to
understand older first-time mothers' perceptions of health and mothering during
the transition to menopause. RESULTS: A paradox emerged in which the
realities of motherhood did not meet the women's expectations. They were
surprised by the centrality of commitment they felt towards the child and
voiced strong ideals about how to do mothering right that included making
changes to work schedules to be more available to their children. CONCLUSION: Health care professionals should be aware of specific
issues that exist for older first-time mothers including adjustments to work.
This knowledge will inform the support, education and care provided for these women.
Keywords: Hermeneutic, mothering, older mothers, phenomenology, qualitative research
