The myth of ideal motherhood and early motherhood experience: The effect of social expectations on mothers

This study analyzes the conflict between the "myth of motherhood" idealized by modern society and women's early motherhood experiences, as well as the effects of this process on mothers. The main objective of the study is to gain a deep understanding of how this myth is reflected in mothers' emotional states, their processes of constructing their own motherhood, and their daily life practices through their own narratives. To this end, a qualitative research design was adopted, and data obtained from in-depth interviews with 15 mothers living in different provinces of Turkey and having babies aged 0-12 months were analyzed using descriptive analysis methods. The findings of the study reveal a deep conflict between mothers' idealized expectations and their actual experiences of motherhood. During this process, mothers experience intense anxiety, guilt, and loneliness. Social pressure manifests itself in breastfeeding processes, ideal motherhood performances on social media, and traditional expectations. Mothers are expected to be perfect mothers regardless of their work status, financial conditions, and changing motherhood roles across generations. However, mothers do not remain passive in the face of these pressures; they strive to establish their own authority, show solidarity, and develop active coping strategies. Key Words: Ideal Motherhood Myth, Early Motherhood, Social Pressure, Motherhood Experience, Gender.