Whether a woman is a first-time mother, or expecting another child, motherhood and parenting create a major lifestyle change. The process of nurturing and raising children and bringing them into independence can raise questions about personal and cultural ideals for both women and mothers. Mothers must also make sure they nurture themselves, as they care for their children.
Mothers and Motherhood
Women of reproductive age can become biological mothers, yet some mothers may never become pregnant, gaining children instead through marriage or surrogate procedures. Mothers may raise their children independently, with the help of family members or partners, or with their husbands. Women may become mothers in response to social or cultural pressures, or for personal reasons. Regardless of specific circumstance, all women who develop a nurturing relationship with a young person and guide their growth are mothers. This ongoing relationship, with all of its responsibilities and rewards, comprises the situation of motherhood.
Differentiating Motherhood and Parenting
Whereas parenting is the active state of raising children, motherhood is both a condition and a perceptual state. Mothers may reflect on personal experience or cultural stereotypes of female caregiving and decide how their life situation integrates with these ideals. By shifting their focus to caregiving, women may experience a change value systems and personal outlook. A recent study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (2010) tracking over one million mothers for 20 years in Taiwan found that the rate of suicide in women declined as they had more children. Researchers suggest that the practice of motherhood has psychological benefits, which may prevent women from taking their own lives.
Parenting While Expecting
Mothers expecting an additional child may have difficulty caring for herself and both children. Mothers may introduce the idea of a sibling but be unable to fully prepare them for the diversion of their time and energies. Yet, talk and planning should not interfere with active involvement in your current child's life, cautions New York University's Child Care Center. Post-birth, NYU reminds parents to provide support and guidance to both children, praising both for their growth and individual change, without making comparisons.
Challenges and Benefits of Motherhood
Prior to having children, women may have more time to focus on their own interests or goals and more energy to pursue those goals. Recent research in the Monitor on Psychology (2008) indicates that stress hormones released late in pregnancy or as a result of an increase in preparation for delivery can lead to the state of forgetfulness known as "baby brain." Yet post-birth, the journal reports, mothers may enjoy an increase in blood flow, motor skills, and cognitive skills due to rapidly-evolving brain mechanisms. It should also be noted that motherhood can give new meaning and inspiration to professional and personal activities as women impart the content or process to their children.
The Superwoman Syndrome
Mothers should be wary of falling into the so-called "Superwoman Syndrome," whereby women feel they should fulfill (if not exceed) all personal and societal expectations for both women and mothers. This unhealthy goal can add undue stress to any mother's responsibilities. In fact, mothers may need to delegate tasks to a partner or find outside support in order to maintain a sense of personal satisfaction, as well as satisfaction with the progression of her children. The Nemours Foundation cautions that parents must be promote their own well-being, in order to both enjoy and provide good leadership for their children.
