Mothers hold a special place in our hearts. They are the female parents who bring us into this world and without them, you wouldn't exist today! Let that sink in for a while.
In March we have two days celebrating women Mother’s Day, also known as Mothering Sunday, is a heartfelt celebration honouring mothers and motherhood. International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration that takes place annually on March 8.
Mothering Sunday in the United Kingdom:
Mothering Sunday falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Which is approximately three weeks before Easter Sunday. Mother’s Day in the U.S. is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, and in Japan it is celebrated on May 10.
Originally, Mothering Sunday was a time when people returned to the church where they were baptized or attended services during their childhood. Families reunited, as adults returned to their hometowns. Young people working as servants in large houses were given a holiday on this day, allowing them to visit their own mothers. They often brought gifts of food or hand-me-down clothing from their employers.
Today, Mother’s Day is a day to honour not only mothers but also other mother figures, such as grandmothers, stepmothers, and mothers-in-law. People make special efforts to visit their mothers, bringing cards and gifts. Brunch, lunch or high tea in cafes, restaurants or hotels are common treats. Gifts like cakes, flowers, chocolates, jewelry, and luxurious clothing express love and appreciation. Handmade cards and gifts prepared by children in schools add a personal touch
At Ultraworld Scanning Services we have a connection with all our babies and their mothers, that come through our doors. A clinic run by women and as mothers we have a special appreciation and genuinely place our customers are at the heart of everything we do.
We believe if a mother is healthy and happy then her baby will also be healthy and happy.
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration that takes place annually on March 8. It serves as a focal point for recognising and honouring the achievements of women across various domains.
IWD aims to:
Celebrate Women: It acknowledges the social, economic, cultural, and political contributions of women worldwide.
Advocate for Equality: It calls for gender equality, reproductive rights, and an end to violence and abuse against women.
We feel women, comprising half of the world’s population, play an indispensable role in shaping our societies, economies and cultures.
We wanted to use our platform to highlight the importance of pregnancy and women.
Women’s Experiences of Social Support During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a transformative journey, marked by physical changes, emotional shifts, and relational dynamics. For expectant mothers, social support plays a pivotal role in navigating this complex terrain. In this article, we delve into the lived experiences of pregnant women, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of social support during this critical phase.
The Importance of Social Support
Social support during pregnancy extends beyond mere companionship. It encompasses emotional, practical, and spiritual dimensions, all of which contribute to the well-being of both mother and child. Recognizing the significance of social support, researchers have explored women’s perspectives through qualitative studies.
Let’s look at some of their findings!
A Variety of Emotional Support:
Pregnant women draw emotional sustenance from diverse sources. Female network connections, friends, and family members offer empathy, understanding, and encouragement.
The husband’s care and affection emerge as a vital pillar of emotional support.
Tangible and Intangible Instrumental Support:
Practical assistance—whether financial or related to household chores—profoundly impacts pregnant women. Family and friends step in to provide tangible help.
Intangible forms, such as advice and guidance, also play a role.
Health information supports informed decision-making.
Traditional Rituals and Spiritual Support:
Spirituality weaves through the fabric of pregnancy experiences. Some women find solace in rituals, prayers, and faith-based coping mechanisms.
However, spirituality isn’t universally positive. For some, it heightens stress levels.
The All-Encompassing Natal Home:
The concept of home extends beyond physical walls. It encompasses emotional safety, cultural practices, and familial bonds.
Dissatisfaction with relationships within this natal home can impact overall well-being.
Challenges and Coping Mechanisms
Antenatal Depression:
Pregnancy brings joy but also emotional challenges. Antenatal depression affects a significant proportion of pregnant women.
Social support acts as a buffer against depressive symptoms.
Unplanned Pregnancy and Financial Stress:
Unplanned pregnancies introduce additional stressors. Financial instability compounds the emotional burden.
Support networks mitigate these challenges.
Language and Communication:
Effective communication in maternity services is crucial. Medical jargon, emotive language, and language barriers impact women’s experiences.
Clear, empathetic communication fosters trust and empowerment.
Conclusion
Understanding women’s experiences of social support during pregnancy is essential for tailored interventions. As we celebrate the resilience of expectant mothers, let us continue to build a compassionate network—one that uplifts, empowers, and nurtures them throughout this remarkable journey. 🌸💪🤰
Mothers and Pregnancy Scans
We aim to do our bit to help mothers and pregnancy scans. Before you go check out various Ultrasound Pregnancy Packages. Have a read of some of our feedback from our wonderful customers in our Google Reviews.