Becoming a mother in the ‘new’ social world in Australia during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: Substantial public health measures occurred in Australian society during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the risk of community transmission. Little was known about the impact of these changes on childbearing women. Aim: To describe childbearing women's experiences of becoming a mother during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. Methods: A qualitative exploratory design using semi-structured interviews was used. Women were recruited through social media and self-nominated to participate in an interview. Maximum variation sampling was used. A total of 27 interviews were conducted with women across Australia. Data were analysed thematically. Findings: The thematic analysis resulted i..