The early motherhood expectations versus reality study.

Background: The reality of transitioning to motherhood is challenging, as a new mother's identity, body, and family dynamics change. Social myths and media portrayals create unrealistic expectations, leaving new mothers unprepared for the reality. Exploring these expectations versus the reality of their experiences is essential to improving mothers' outcomes.

Aim: To explore first-time mothers' early motherhood experiences and how their experiences differed from their expectations.

Method: An exploratory study using three sequential focus groups of 16 first-time mothers in three hospitals in Ireland. Focus groups were audio recorded and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Findings: Four themes were identified: "I wish I knew," "the myth of normal," "the lottery of support," and "surviving and thriving in the fourth trimester." Participants reported high levels of self-criticism, guilt, and emotional exhaustion, struggling to meet unrealistic parenting standards. Many lacked consistent postpartum support, leaving them unprepared for the emotional and practical challenges of motherhood. Improved antenatal education and extended, structured postpartum care were strongly recommended.

Discussion: This study emphasizes the importance of health care systems and policies which prioritize enhancing the quality and accessibility of professional care during the fourth trimester and beyond. Additionally, antenatal education should provide realistic portrayals of the transition to motherhood to prepare women for this critical period better. This study also recommends new mothers to accept instrumental support from partners and broader support networks.

Conclusion: A gap exists between first-time mothers' expectations of early motherhood and reality. To reduce this gap, mothers require better preparation and improved postpartum care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).