Recovery in Mother-To-Mother Peer Supporters Who Have Experienced Difficulties in Child-Rearing: A Phenomenological Study

To elucidate the meaning of recovery for mothers who have experienced difficulties in child-rearing, using insights gained through their activities as mother-to-mother peer supporters. Phenomenological study. From January to October 2022, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 mothers active as peer supporters at community child-rearing support centres in Japan. Data were analysed using Colaizzi's phenomenological methodology. The analysis identified three clustered themes: (1) struggles as a mother, (2) discovery of one's authentic self, and (3) transformation in one's approach to life. The essential needs of mothers during child-rearing were clarified, revealing the vital importance of the mother's mental health compared with merely providing technical support or advice for child-rearing. During child-rearing, in the context of their relationships with their children, mothers may feel profound loneliness and question their own self-worth. Life's difficulties are more keenly felt, and the inherent, seemingly insurmountable challenges that they face as mothers are more evident. Therefore, instead of merely focusing on traditional child-rearing methods, it is essential to support mothers in addressing their inherent personality traits, unresolved issues, and internal conflicts. This study clarifies that child-rearing support is not merely about providing direct aid to children-in other words, a type of technical assistance-and attests to the importance of child-rearing support that focuses on mothers' own ways of living and being. Transcending national borders, these are vital insights for safeguarding the health of mothers and children and are expected to contribute to the global field of maternal and child health. This study was conducted in accordance with the COREQ guidelines. None.