Changes in Mothering Ideology After Childbirth and Maternal Mental Health in French Women

The prevailing dominant discourse about motherhood in western societies reflects a set of interconnected beliefs referred to as intensive mothering ideology. Little is known how ideology changes after childbirth, and the associations between maternal mental health. current study aims explore may evolve childbirth both primiparous multiparous women, whether any observed this impact French women (n = 144) completed measures during late pregnancy then again at two months four postpartum, which assessed ideology, postpartum depression, burnout symptoms. As expected, results indicated that increases childbirth. However, were not stronger compared women. Of note, reported challenge sacrifice beliefs. Finally, linear mixed models showed associated with health contradictory ways, while controlling for parity unemployment. Mainly, growth sacrificial seems be detrimental These findings have implications well-being mothers call challenging self-sacrifice underpin order promote self-care.