A whole new world : the psychological well-being of first-time Maltese mothers : the lived experience

Abstract

Over the years, research has suggested how the transition into motherhood is a crucial period in which the new mother faces a number of conflicting challenges. The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the lived experience of first-time mothers as it relates to their psychological well-being in nurturing their infant. Research pertaining to the local field is scant. Therefore, this research study aims to provide an insight into the raw, novel world of motherhood as experienced by first-time Maltese mothers. Data was collected from six participants through semi-structured interviews. Having assayed the gathered experiences through Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), findings have highlighted the saliency of factors which contribute to the psychological well-being of the first-time mother, including support, maternal self-efficacy, attachment and breastfeeding, and post-partum depression (PPD) amongst others.