Miriam Locke Royal Children’s Hospital “CORPORATISING THE BABY” AND “MACHO MOTHERING” Infant development in contemporary Australian family context

‘Corporatising the Baby’ and ‘Macho – Mothering’ Infant Development in a Contemporary Australian Family Context Presented by: Miriam Locke (PhD completing) AASW State Conference November 2009.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS What are first-time mothers expectations in relation to infant settling and sleeping 6 weeks prior to the birth of their baby and 9 months post-natally. - What values, beliefs and knowledge do first time mothers use to construe their infant’s settling and sleeping patterns as problematic or not problematic 6 weeks prior to the birth of their baby and 9 months post-natally.

Research Design Exploratory Descriptive 2X37 face to face semi structured interviews 6 Focus groups Age range 17 - 37

Data Analysis Transcription Word and Excel Coding

Theme 5 – Family Interdependence

Cluster 1 1. Independence, Practical, Confidence in Others, Experiential Knowledge. “Corporatising the Baby” or Social mode parenting. (Grille 2009).

Cluster 2 Interdependence, Instinct, Self Confidence and propositional knowledge. “Macho – Mothering” natural or helping mode parenting (Grille 2009)

Aspects of Family Interdependence emotional economic Major driver is the return to the workforce.

Emotional Interdependence Maternal adjustment – the birth paradox Partner support for both adjustment and infant sleeping and settling

Partner influence was for all mothers less than 21 years – new relationships greater than 21 years – sexual intimacy

Economic Interdependence -partner need for sleep - mothers’ losses –identity issues -women and choices – workforce return -employment essential for family survival -work for self fulfilment

Workforce Participation Stresses Lack of emotional preparation Multiple expectations that silence mothers Good partner and support child and family Contribute to family finances Good mother Double day at work – exhaustion Child care and sleeping problems Women divided Perceived lack of community support

Support Comments “I have plans once the baby is born, as I want to return to work. It is adaptive for the baby to have some capacity to separate from me.” Carly 1.5.1 Ante natal interview

“I think there is a huge amount of competition in mothering and parenting now. I think its a totally dedicated style of mothering. Macho mothering. Doing it the really hard way and not complaining about it, but seeing it all as wonderful. I have to work and my baby has to learn how to fit into my schedule. It’s not easy for any of us, but if we want to have a baby this is the only option I have.” Carol 2.10. Post natal interview.

“The discussion on women and working and how this affects the baby’s settling and sleeping seems to divide and I think it can contribute to isolating some women because of what they choose to do with their baby. Women really need to support each other in this important work and not divide and criticise each other. Services also need to be aware of this and respect us as women with choices.” Carly 1.8.11 Post natal interview

Strategies used Change return to work/study plan Self employment Defer work/study option Resign Pre-planned career pause enacted

Further Research Questions There is a parenting paradigm shift Is this due to a more child friendly society based on new neuro scientific discoveries? Is social valuing of economic development over emotional development? Does the lack of social support and the emerging knowledge from new research indicate a crisis in parenting for first time mothers?