Experiences of spousal support during the transition to parenthood: the organization of paid and family work

• Author / Creator

  Lemire, Shannon

• This critical ethnographic study explores couples’ experiences of spousal support during the transition to first-time parenthood and the organization of paid and family work. How first-time parents manage paid and family work is central to the experience of support and critical to an ongoing nurturing relationship. Seven couples were selected from the principal study, Mobilizing Intergenerational Social Support during the Transition to Parenthood, and were interviewed prior to the birth and again when infants were nine months to one year of age. On the whole, first-time parents reported positive support experiences with their spouses. Nonsupport occurred most often when parents were required to manage the interface between family work and paid or student work. The exchange of support between first-time parents may be strengthened by offering flexible work options and enhanced access to and provisions in parental leave policies. Prenatal education highlighting the common concerns of first-time parents may further strengthen support.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Transition to parenthood
  • Spousal support

• Graduation date

  Spring 2010

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Nursing

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R37W7N

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.