Experiences of Family and Social Support During the Transition to Motherhood Among Mothers of Biracial and Monoracial Infants

Abstract

The transition to motherhood has been studied extensively, but primarily among participants in homogenous race/ethnicity relationships. The aim of the current study was to explore the lived experiences of a diverse group of women in biracial and monoracial relationships experiencing the transition to motherhood (e.g., biracial or monoracial motherhood). Informed by the symbolic interaction framework, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted to investigate the expectations and experiences of first-time motherhood on a sample of 12 U.S. women. Their diverse stories contained multiple themes including an overarching theme of racial/ethnic differences in appropriate infant care, which surfaces during engagement in family and social support interactions. This analysis emphasizes the need for more diverse portrayals of motherhood. We discuss our findings in light of the literature and implications for future research and practice.

Citation

Roy, R.N., Mitchell, Y., James, A., Miller, B. and Hutchinson, J. (2019), "Experiences of Family and Social Support During the Transition to Motherhood Among Mothers of Biracial and Monoracial Infants", Blair, S.L. and Costa, R.P. (Ed.) Transitions into Parenthood: Examining the Complexities of Childrearing (Contemporary Perspectives in Family Research, Vol. 15), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 17-35. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1530-353520190000015002