Midwifery and Women’s Health

Biography

Biography: Poonam Sheoran

Abstract

Reproducing and upbringing of children has been a part of life since the beginning of mankind. Motivations for parenthood and perceived meaning of children vary among cultures. In developed countries the desire for parenthood is expressed as a wish for personal happiness and fulfillment where as in low income countries, reasons for the wish of child are different. A phenomenological study was conducted at an infertility clinic of Haryana, India with aim to explore experiences of childless women. Semi structured interview guide was used to collect data via face to face in depth interviews. Criterion sampling technique was adopted to select participants. All interviews were audiotaped using a digital recorder. Findings revealed five subthemes with two themes as factors affecting desire for child and adoption emerged under core theme of desire of motherhood. Childless women shared their wish and need to have child and outlook towards adoption as an option to counteract infertility. Factors affecting need to have child included fulfillment of personal desire to experience pregnancy and childbirth, continuation of family lineage, feeling of contentment and happiness, fulfilling social and religious obligation to procreate, preserving relations and reputation in society. Although desire to be mother was very strong among participants but adoption was not a preferable choice. Though motherhood has got tremendous value among Indian women, still to adopt a child is not a popular solution. Midwives working in public health need to understand reasons behind preferred choices among couples and can take initiative to provide an integrated, professionally facilitated group support to the couples suffering with infertility