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Navigating health priorities and motivators during pregnancy and new motherhood
Author(s) -
Maher Judith H.,
Lowe John B.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
nutrition and dietetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.479
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 1747-0080
pISSN - 1446-6368
DOI - 10.1111/1747-0080.12155
Subject(s) - underpinning , qualitative research , context (archaeology) , psychology , nursing , public relations , medicine , sociology , political science , social science , paleontology , civil engineering , engineering , biology
Aim To explore the health‐related priorities of women during pregnancy and early motherhood and the motivators underpinning these. Methods Qualitative semi‐structured telephone interviews were undertaken with 28 mothers living in Q ueensland, A ustralia, with at least one child under 5. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using both descriptive and interpretive approaches. Results Participants described health priorities as actions and behaviours they associated with producing health or being healthy, including dietary practices and being active. Key motivators underpinning these health priorities were identified including the sense of responsibility, conforming to social norms and health guidance, and developing and enacting self‐direction. Conclusions Results provide insight into the broader context within which women make decisions about health and nutrition‐related practices reflecting the complex ways which health perspectives and experience intersect, and the challenge of navigating the cacophony of ‘voices’ and personal priorities. These results can guide practitioners when reflecting on current ways of supporting and educating mothers during this life stage.