‘The Hero's journey’: Narratives on the transition to motherhood with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the impact of cystic fibrosis (CF) on the transition to motherhood using a strength-based narrative approach. It sought to elevate the voices of women with CF and examine how they navigate pregnancy and early motherhood in the context of chronic illness.

Design

A qualitative narrative study was conducted, led by a researcher with lived experience of CF and motherhood. The study adopted a co-constructed, interpretive epistemology to centre participant perspectives and challenge deficit-based clinical narratives.

Methods

Ten Australian women with CF who had given birth within the past 5 years participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Narratives were analysed using holistic and categorical methods, including thematic coding and story mapping. Reflexive collaboration and participant validation were used to enhance trustworthiness.

Findings

Narratives consistently followed the ‘Hero's Journey’ archetype, with participants portraying themselves as resilient protagonists. Key strengths included hope, leadership, discernment, child-focus and optimism. While healthcare providers were often described as supportive allies, antagonistic interactions—particularly during pre-pregnancy counselling—undermined trust and joy. Postpartum, women struggled to balance CF treatment with mothering roles, often prioritising their child over medical compliance. Breastfeeding emerged as a specific area of conflict between maternal values and clinical expectations.

Conclusions

Women with CF demonstrate significant strengths in navigating motherhood, yet face systemic challenges in receiving holistic, collaborative care. This study highlights the value of lived experience-led research and calls for healthcare teams to offer more tailored postpartum support and nuanced guidance around treatment, parenting and breastfeeding.