Social Support and Lived Experiences of First-Time Mothers

Motherhood is cherished and defines the identity of a woman in most African societies. However, new mothers have to adjust physically, socially, psychologically and even spiritually in their transition. Social support has been identified in a number of studies to help first-time mothers adjust in picking up their new maternal responsibilities. The main aim of this study was to explore first-time mothers' lived experiences and their prenatal and postnatal support systems. This study shows that childbirth is a defining point in women's lives and it is coupled with physical, emotional and other life changing challenges. It is recommended that a state sponsored social security scheme be designed by the government for first-time mothers who have no or limited social support networks.