Magen finns där hemma – en kvalitativ studie om föräldrablivande hos icke bärande föräldrar i lesbiska relationer

Sammanfattning: The aim of this study was to explore the experience of the transition to parenthood of nonbirth parents in lesbian relationships. Of special interest was how an identity as a mother developed in the nonbirth parent and the identification of the stressors and strategies that effected the transition to parenthood. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six women who had experiences of becoming parents within the context of a lesbian relationship without having given birth. The collected material was analyzed using Qualitative Thematic Analysis with a hermeneutic approach. This led to the identification of four main themes: Mother without baby bump, Facing resistance, An invisible parenthood and Taking on a parenting role. Experiences described by the interviewees suggest that the identity development during the transition to parenthood is complicated by factors such as not experiencing the physical pregnancy, not being recognized as a “real” parent and the lack of a well-defined and visible parenting role to relate to. A number of strategies developed to navigate the transition to parenthood were also identified. These included equal sharing of the parenting with the partner, an active enhancement of the parenting role and surrounding oneself with people who could offer social support, as well as being mindful, and allowing, of one’s own experiences.