“I got all sorts of solitude, but that solitude wasn’t mine”: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Understanding Aloneness during Becoming A Mother

This study examines the evolving experiences of "aloneness" in first-time mothers during their transition to motherhood. Study 1 involved qualitative interviews with 22 mothers, revealing three core themes: the ambivalent companionship of a baby, the multifaceted nature of post-motherhood solitude, and a significant shift in priorities that diminished both the quantity and quality of subjective solitude. Although physical aloneness often increased, solitude free from caregiving demands became scarce. Particularly, Study 1 also indicated that time spent alone with the baby may feel more or less like social time depending on the level of interaction and reciprocity between mother and child, as well as the nature of caregiving tasks being performed. Study 2 analyzed quantitative data from 47 participants, tracking daily activities and emotional well-being. Results showed that both personal and social time significantly enhanced positive mood and reduced negative mood. These findings highlight the dual challenges of balancing caregiving with personal needs and emphasize the importance of support systems to provide quality personal time, underscoring its critical role in promoting maternal well-being during early parenthood.