Black Low-Income Mothers' Experiences With a Local Peer Support Group

A Qualitative Exploration

Bibliographic Data

ID4703240
AuthorsC Castellano (0009-0006-4241-633X, College of Nursing, University of Missouri St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA), Christina M Castellano (University of Missouri–St. Louis, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume36
Issue7
Pages669-680
Publication date2025-04-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Health Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/10497323251318213
PMID40179419
OpenAlexW4409172915
LanguageEN
References cited38

Maternal empowerment, particularly by enhancing resourcefulness and support systems, has emerged as a promising approach to address inequities. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of Black low-income women during the postpartum period and the interplay between cultural context, resourcefulness, and motherhood. The study employed a novel methodological approach that combined focused ethnography with grounded theory analysis. Six focus groups ( n = 35) were conducted with Black mothers who had given birth within 5 years and were self-identified as low-income. Data analysis followed grounded theory principles of constant comparison and theoretical sampling. A grounded theory emerged, "the journey to empowered motherhood includes both navigation and transformation." Three categories, (1) individual context, (2) strength alongside relationships, and (3) transition to motherhood, developed this theory which describes a dynamic process whereby mothers navigate sociocultural landscapes, leading to a transformed sense of self. This study offers insights into the complex nature of maternal empowerment among Black low-income mothers. The findings underscore the need for interventions that focus on fostering mothers' existing strengths and abilities within their specific sociocultural contexts, culturally sensitive maternal care that acknowledges and addresses the unique contextual challenges faced by Black low-income mothers, and a shift in perspective from deficit- to strength-based approaches in maternal health

Developmental psychology · Empowerment · Focus group · Geography · Grounded theory · Participant observation · Photo elicitation · Political science · Psychological intervention · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociocultural evolution · Sociology · Family and Disability Support Research · Family and Patient Care in Intensive Care Units · Gender Studies · Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum · Psychology · Social Psychology

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