Maternal coping during early motherhood among first-time Chinese mothers

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the coping strategies used by first-time Hong Kong Chinese mothers in adjusting to the demands of early motherhood. A purposive sample of 26 first-time Chinese mothers who had participated in a childbirth psycho-education program was interviewed in-depth at six weeks postpartum in respect to their coping strategies. Two main categories emerged: making personalized and achievable decisions and seeking emotional and spiritual solace. Implications for health professionals are discussed, including the need to support individual women's personal resources and foster social networks to optimize maternal and infant health. © 2011 SAGE Publications.