A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Education in the fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education in the Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2012. / This study examined the experiences of young school-going mothers with regard to how their teachers, classmates/peers and the community view them. A qualitative research design was deemed on appropriate approach for this study. The sample comprised of 10 young school- going mothers from 5 high schools in Leribe district of Lesotho. Interviews were used to collect data individually and in focus groups. Data were analyzed qualitatively using the process of content analysis. Information emanating from the interviewers were transcribed and coded into themes pertaining to the school-going mothers’ experiences in high schools. The findings suggest that the young mothers were not supported by some of their teachers; they were rejected by their peers and classmates and, labeled by the community they live in. Sample comprised 10 young mothers from 5 high schools in Leribe district of Lesotho. On the basis of the findings, both curative and preventative strategies were recommended for dealing with young school going mothers.

Background: When a family encounters the problem of adolescent substance misuse, the burden of managing it often falls primarily on the mother. Objective and methods: This research was conducted in two phases to explore the experiences of mothers of adolescents who misuse substances. Phase one was a systematic qualitative evidence synthesis of qualitative studies on the experiences of mothers of adolescents who misused substances. In this phase, conventional content analysis was used to create a narrative synthesis of themes and categories. Phase two was a qualitative study using thematic analysis to describe mothers’ experiences of parenting an adolescent who misused drugs. Findings: Eleven qualitative studies were included in the literature review. New categories regarding mothers’ experiences emerged from the review and synthesis: 1) I love you and we can talk no matter what; 2) So this is really happening . . . My kid’s on drugs; 3) What have I done?; 4) My family is shattered: a) I can’t believe what you’re doing, b) I can’t face this, c) I’ve lost my baby; and 5) It’s not my addiction. Four mothers were interviewed for the qualitative study. Mothers described their realities and the challenges they faced parenting an adolescent who misused drugs. Their experiences were represented in the following categories:1) recognition, 2) punishment/surveillance, 3) negative emotions, 4) relationships, 5) escalating effects, 6) strategies, and 7) home–a safe place. Conclusions: The findings from this research contribute to our understanding of the everyday lives and struggles that mothers face with their adolescents’ substances misuse. Nurses, by implementing early targeted interventions, will meet the needs of these mothers and assist themselves and ultimately their adolescents to attain optimal wellbeing.

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Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted neurological condition that impairs social interaction, communication and behaviour. The current increase in the prevalence of ASD is alarming. A large population of parents is left searching for answers regarding their child’s developmental delays. Once their child has been diagnosed, they have to deal with the challenge of raising such a child. Parenting a child with ASD is particularly challenging for mothers as it has been reported that they struggle with poor health and wellbeing as well as high stress levels. Literature has also shown that the maternal interaction style impacts the prognosis for the child’s development, again highlighting the importance of the mother’s wellbeing. Several studies refer to the severe impact of ASD on the family as a unit, yet the unique challenges that mothers face are often overlooked. To address the wellbeing of these mothers, it is necessary to understand their experiences of their child’s diagnosis with ASD. This qualitative phenomenological study explored and described mothers’ experiences of their child’s diagnosis with ASD by using the Process-Person-Context-Time model from Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory as a framework. Unstructured interviews with seven mothers were conducted, voice recorded and transcribed. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis. Findings revealed four interrelated themes: 1) the mother’s experience of the interactions and relationships within her immediate family (Proximal Process), 2) the mother’s experience of her internal and external characteristics and resources (Person), 3) the mother’s experience of her environment (Context), and 4) the mother’s experience of the journey through time (Time). Bronfenbrenner’s theory in its matured form also proved to be of value in understanding these mothers’ daily lives and challenges. The key findings provide valuable insight that may inform professionals who develop support programmes aimed at mothers with ASD children or that may guide such professionals’ therapeutic interventions with mothers with ASD children. / MSW, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted neurological condition that impairs social interaction, communication and behaviour. The current increase in the prevalence of ASD is alarming. A large population of parents is left searching for answers regarding their child’s developmental delays. Once their child has been diagnosed, they have to deal with the challenge of raising such a child. Parenting a child with ASD is particularly challenging for mothers as it has been reported that they struggle with poor health and wellbeing as well as high stress levels. Literature has also shown that the maternal interaction style impacts the prognosis for the child’s development, again highlighting the importance of the mother’s wellbeing. Several studies refer to the severe impact of ASD on the family as a unit, yet the unique challenges that mothers face are often overlooked. To address the wellbeing of these mothers, it is necessary to understand their experiences of their child’s diagnosis with ASD. This qualitative phenomenological study explored and described mothers’ experiences of their child’s diagnosis with ASD by using the Process-Person-Context-Time model from Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory as a framework. Unstructured interviews with seven mothers were conducted, voice recorded and transcribed. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis. Findings revealed four interrelated themes: 1) the mother’s experience of the interactions and relationships within her immediate family (Proximal Process), 2) the mother’s experience of her internal and external characteristics and resources (Person), 3) the mother’s experience of her environment (Context), and 4) the mother’s experience of the journey through time (Time). Bronfenbrenner’s theory in its matured form also proved to be of value in understanding these mothers’ daily lives and challenges. The key findings provide valuable insight that may inform professionals who develop support programmes aimed at mothers with ASD children or that may guide such professionals’ therapeutic interventions with mothers with ASD children. / MSW, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

It has been well established that breastfeeding provides the best type of nutrition, strengthens the bond between a baby and his mother, and has both physiological and psychological benefits. However, when breastfeeding is causing difficulties, it can negatively impact the mothers’ well-being and even result in depression. When a baby or its mother is hospitalized, breastfeeding issues can arise. The support and help mothers receive during hospitalization is often seen as insufficient or even incorrect. This can cause breastfeeding disruptions and discontinuation, which in turn can cause a prolonged hospital stay and suffering of care. The goal of this thesis is therefore to describe mothers perceived breastfeeding support by the nurses that cared for them. We have made a qualitative content analysis of 15 blogs about breastfeeding for this empiric qualitative study. The blogs were published between 2009-2018, 11 blogs were from England and four were from Sweden. The results were presented in three different themes: strengthening support, feeling reduced, and being dependent on the health professionals’ knowledge and competence.  The results show that breastfeeding support is perceived as strengthening and meaningful when adapted to the individual’s needs. However, mothers experience suffering related to care when they feel confused, powerless, and unseen. In the discussion we show how health care personals information and support influences the mothers breastfeeding experiences. / Att amning ger den bästa typen av näring, stärker anknytning och har såväl fysiologiska som psykologiska fördelar för båda mamman och barnet är välkänt sedan tidigare. När amningen strular kan det dock vara en anledning till negativa känslor och risk för depression. När ett barn eller en mamma blir sjuk och inlagd på sjukhus, kan problem med amning uppstå. Det stöd och den hjälp mammor får under sjukhusvistelsen upplevs ofta som otillräcklig eller till och med felaktig. Detta kan orsaka rubbningar i amningen och tidig avvänjning, vilket i sin tur kan leda till en längre vistelse på sjukhus och upplevt vårdlidande. Därför är syftet med denna uppsats att beskriva hur mammorna upplever amningsstödet från sjuksköterskor under sin sjukhusvistelse. För denna kvalitativa empiriska studie har vi gjort en kvalitativ innehållsanalys av 15 bloggar hämtade från Internet. Bloggarna publicerades mellan 2009-2018 varav 11 bloggar var från England och fyra var från Sverige. Resultatet presenteras i tre olika teman: stärkande stöd, att känna sig förminskad och att vara beroende av vårdpersonalens kunskap och kompetens. Det framkommer att amningsstöd upplevs som stärkande och meningsfullt när det är anpassat till individens behov, men att kvinnor upplever ett lidande när de känner sig förvirrade, maktlösa, och osedda. I diskussionen visas hur vårdpersonalens information och stöd påverkar kvinnans amningsupplevelse.

Objective The present study aimed to explore women's perceptions and experiences of childbirth by unplanned Caesarean section. Background New motherhood is characterised as a profound change, and research suggests that the psychological effects of childbirth can be significant and far–reaching for some women. The processes occurring during a traumatic birth experience could affect a woman's emotional and psychological state, and she may experience considerable adjustment difficulties in adapting to unfulfilled expectations of delivering her baby naturally. Methods In–depth interviews explored 10 women's lived experiences of childbirth, after which thematic content analysis was used to synthesise data. The elements of phenomenological theory served as a broad framework for the structuring, organizing and categorizing of data, with interpretation aimed at gaining a greater understanding of women's internalised childbirth accounts. Findings Women described their contact with medical personnel, as well as the physical, environmental, and emotional aspects of their unplanned Caesarean sections, as distressing and traumatic. A sense of loss of control was the most significant contributor to women's negative childbirth experiences. Feelings of failure and disappointment were primarily related to unmet expectations and a lack of preparedness. Negative experiences were mediated by attentive caregiving, inclusion in decision–making, and support from loved ones. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Objective The present study aimed to explore women's perceptions and experiences of childbirth by unplanned Caesarean section. Background New motherhood is characterised as a profound change, and research suggests that the psychological effects of childbirth can be significant and far–reaching for some women. The processes occurring during a traumatic birth experience could affect a woman's emotional and psychological state, and she may experience considerable adjustment difficulties in adapting to unfulfilled expectations of delivering her baby naturally. Methods In–depth interviews explored 10 women's lived experiences of childbirth, after which thematic content analysis was used to synthesise data. The elements of phenomenological theory served as a broad framework for the structuring, organizing and categorizing of data, with interpretation aimed at gaining a greater understanding of women's internalised childbirth accounts. Findings Women described their contact with medical personnel, as well as the physical, environmental, and emotional aspects of their unplanned Caesarean sections, as distressing and traumatic. A sense of loss of control was the most significant contributor to women's negative childbirth experiences. Feelings of failure and disappointment were primarily related to unmet expectations and a lack of preparedness. Negative experiences were mediated by attentive caregiving, inclusion in decision–making, and support from loved ones. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.