Distress and depression in new motherhood: research with adoptive mothers highlights important contributing factors

Feminist, sociological literature concerned with mothering and motherhood reveals that the reality of mothering within the sometimes contradictory and invalidating context of western society may bring forth a range of emotional responses, some of which are unexpected negative responses. In a recent study with adoptive mothers in Queensland, Australia, experiences at significant points across the adoption life cycle were explored. These experiences included, for mothers of babies and young children, a wide range of emotional responses in the early post‐adoption period. Methods for the collection of data included the introduction of several scales, including a postnatal depression scale (EPDS), and in‐depth interviews. The findings have implications for social work practice with adoptive mothers, and also for the delivery of health services to all mothers and babies.