Transizione alla genitorialità e memoria autobiografica del parto

This paper focuses on the childbirth of the first baby by adopting an autobiographic perspective, and considers delivery as a turning point in the construction of Self. The aim of this study is to underline the most meaningful components that constitute the birth experience and remain in the memories of the mother and of her partner. The sample consists in 30 primiparous mothers and their partners who experienced natural birth 5 to 8 months before the study. The participants were asked to write an autobiographic narration and to fill in a questionnaire. The analysis leads to some considerations about closely interconnected topics, such as the relationship with the partner, with the baby, with the medical staff, the relationship with one’s own body and pain management, the sense of control, the evaluation of the experience. Support received from the medical staff and sense of control seem to play a crucial role in a positive evaluation of the experience. With respect to such variables, 3 kinds of prevailing situations (autonomy-dependency-expropriation) emerge; the psychological implications are discussed.;

Donatella Scarzello, Transizione alla genitorialità e memoria autobiografica del parto in "PSICOLOGIA DELLA SALUTE" 2/2007, pp 57-70, DOI: