Open AccessMothering Twins During the First Year of Life: A Metaphor Analysis
Author(s) -
Cheryl Tatano Beck
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the journal of perinatal education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1548-8519
pISSN - 1058-1243
DOI - 10.1891/j-pe-d-20-00017
Subject(s) - metaphor , grounded theory , insider , qualitative research , breastfeeding , psychology , identification (biology) , developmental psychology , medicine , epistemology , pediatrics , sociology , philosophy , social science , linguistics , biology , botany
This secondary qualitative analysis identified metaphorical expressions mothers of twins used to describe their first year caring for their infants. Data from the primary grounded theory study were reanalyzed using metaphor identification procedure and revealed eight metaphors: blur, life on hold, being an orchestrator, being a juggler, being an equalizer, being a quick-change artist, being a milk factory, and open invitation. These metaphors give clinicians an insider's view of the struggle's mothers of twins experience during the first year after birth. Being attentive to the metaphors mothers used can provide a unique approach to helping them. Lactation consultants are key to providing much needed support for mothers who are breastfeeding twins.