Article
The Journey of Becoming a Mother
Journal of Perinatal Education
(2008)
Abstract
Nature intends that the physical and hormonal changes of pregnancy insure the growth and development not just of the baby but of the mother. The physical and emotional changes of pregnancy and, then, labor, birth, and breastfeeding play vital roles in guiding women on the journey of becoming a mother. Standard prenatal care and medicalized labor and birth interfere in powerful ways with nature's plan and, consequently, women's ability to negotiate this journey. In this column, these issues are explored, and implications for childbirth education are discussed.
Keywords
- pregnancy,
- tasks of pregnancy,
- hormones and pregnancy,
- prenatal care,
- psychosocial changes of pregnancy,
- maternal attachment,
- safety and pregnancy,
- maternal role attainment
Disciplines
Publication Date
Fall 2008
DOI
10.1624/105812408X364071
Citation Information
Judith A. Lothian. "The Journey of Becoming a Mother" Journal of Perinatal Education Vol. 17 Iss. 4 (2008) p. 43 - 47 ISSN: 1548-8519 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/judith-lothian/35/