5 TPC Digest E very year around 3.6 million women give birth in the United States, a transformative period that can be both exciting and challenging. The experience, which often reshapes a woman’s identity, can trigger feelings of vulnerability. In addition to the normative experiences described in the literature, rural mothers often encounter limited access to health care and social support, further exacerbated by factors such as poverty and transportation limitations. These challenges compound with preexisting risks to decrease well-being, which can lead to depression and anxiety. A mother’s level of support from friends, family, and the community can significantly influence her emotional wellness. This qualitative study investigates mothers’ postpartum experiences in rural areas, focusing on how social and emotional experiences impact well-being. Researchers aimed to understand the unique challenges of rural biological mothers, a group that has received little attention in previous studies. The researchers interviewed mothers from four rural communities (N = 16) through focus groups, creating a supportive environment for participants to share their experiences and feelings about childbirth and postpartum recovery. A transcendental phenomenological analysis was used to identify four key themes: 1. Powerlessness: Many mothers felt a lack of control during childbirth, often feeling unheard by medical professionals. This sense of powerlessness extended into postpartum recovery, making it difficult to bond with their newborns or seek help. 2. Help seeking: Participants expressed a disconnect between their emotional and physical needs and the available support. Fear and shame often hindered help seeking, as they worried about being judged or misunderstood by health care providers. 3. Recovering power: Many mothers described reclaiming their sense of agency over time. They found ways to create personal time, reflect on their experiences, and learn to advocate for themselves. Despite the challenges, accepting their role as a mother brought a sense of gratitude. 4. Here and now: Group discussions fostered a supportive environment where mothers felt comfortable sharing their stories. The connection with others who understood their struggles led to a sense of belonging and the desire for continued support. While the study highlights many challenges, it also showcases the mothers’ resilience and ability to support one another. The findings underscore the need to address the social and emotional challenges experienced by postpartum mothers in rural areas who may encounter geographic isolation, stigma around mental health, and/or a lack of resources. Counselors working with postpartum mothers in rural areas are encouraged to focus on empowering mothers, fostering their autonomy, establishing support groups, and leveraging telehealth capabilities. Improved collaboration between mental health and medical services is essential to better meet these mothers’ needs. Overall, the study highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the unique needs of rural mothers during the postpartum period. Future research would benefit from an ongoing investigation of these experiences and exploration of additional effective support practices for mothers in diverse rural contexts. Katherine M. Hermann-Turner, PhD, NCC, BC-TMH, LPC (TN), is an associate professor at Tennessee Tech University. Jonathan D. Wiley, PhD, NCC, LPC (VA), is an assistant professor at Tennessee Tech University. Corrin N. Brown, EdS, NCC, LPC-MHSPTemp. (TN), is a doctoral candidate at Tennessee Tech University. Alyssa A. Curtis, MS, MA, is a graduate of Tennessee Tech University. Dessie S. Avila, MA, LPC-MHSP (TN), is a doctoral candidate at Tennessee Tech University. Correspondence may be addressed to Katherine M. Hermann-Turner, Tennessee Tech University, Box 5031, Cookeville, TN 38505, khturner@tntech.edu. Katherine M. Hermann-Turner, Jonathan D. Wiley, Corrin N. Brown, Alyssa A. Curtis, Dessie S. Avila Rural Mothers’ Postpartum Social and Emotional Experiences: 5 TPC Digest A Qualitative Investigation
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