“I Can Get Through This and I Will Get Through This”: The unfolding journey of teenage motherhood in and beyond foster care

Abstract

Using a series of 18 in-depth qualitative interviews from six participants, the present study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore emerging conceptualizations of motherhood among young mothers who gave birth as teenagers while living in foster care. Analysis revealed three themes: Ambivalent Beginnings, Coming into Our Own, and Finding Our Way, which, together, offer an understanding of youths’ interpretation of their experiences of motherhood over time. Findings extend and complicate a risk-only view of teenage pregnancy within foster care settings. They call for a compassionate view of mothering and attuned intervention in these challenging circumstances in order to support both mother and infant mental health and well-being. Study findings further suggest a need for ongoing, relationship-based parenting support coupled with thoughtful pregnancy planning, foster parent training in coming alongside teens rather than either withdrawing or taking over, and nurturing postpartum support.