Transition to the maternal identity in Turkey: A qualitative study

The transition to motherhood is one of the important transformations in life for a woman. It is known that maternal identity is constructed socially as well as biologically. Therefore, a woman's transition to motherhood is affected by many social and personal factors. Cultural background, age of motherhood, and educational status of the mother are some of these factors. The current study explored women's expectations about motherhood and their first experiences after birth during the transition to motherhood. The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate the transition to maternal identity of women in Turkey who have a university degree, have career goals, and became pregnant during the emerging adulthood period. Additionally, the study examined the influence of naturally occurring emotions and coping mechanisms during women's transition to motherhood on the formation of their maternal identity. Retrospective, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight mothers who became pregnant during the period of emerging adulthood. The findings were analyzed using the thematic analysis method. As a result, four main themes emerged. The themes were named as attitudes, never as expected, emergency valve and the birth of a versatile identity. Findings were discussed, and recommendations for counselors, and policymakers were developed. In the context of psychological counseling, the importance of preventive psychoeducational and social support programs during the transition to motherhood was emphasized.