Extraordinary exposed in early motherhood - a qualitative study exploring experiences of mothers with type 1 diabetes

A hermeneutic reflective life world research approach was used in this qualitative study. Data was gathered through audio-recorded focus group discussions and individual interviews with 23 women with type 1 diabetes, 6-24 months after childbirth. After verbatim transcription, the text was analyzed in order to identify themes of meaning and a conclusive interpretation of the explored phenomenon.Experiences of extraordinary exposure challenged the women with type 1 diabetes in their transition to early motherhood. The exposure included a struggle with breastfeeding, although with a driving force to succeed. Everyday life was filled with uncertainty and unpredictability related to one's own unstable glycemic control and the women down-prioritized their own needs in favor of the child. A feeling of being disconnected from professional care further contributed to the experiences of extraordinary exposure.In early motherhood women with type 1 diabetes have a great need for support in managing daily life postpartum, which requires contemporary approaches to overlap insufficient linkage between health care professionals in maternity and child health care, and diabetes care.The childbearing period for women with type 1 diabetes is characterized by several challenges. The relationship between good glycemic control and better outcomes is well documented [1-3]. In order to minimize the increased risk of adverse outcome in diabetic pregnancies, careful preparation before pregnancy and medical care throughout pregnancy should aim to achieve optimal glycemic control [4]. However, stringent glycemic control increases the incidence of severe hypoglycemia [5,6]. This considered, it is not surprising that pregnant women with diabetes experience a higher degree of anxiety, worry, pressure and ambivalence compared to those with low-risk pregnancies [7,8]. The increased frequency of episodes of hypoglycemia is often connected with unfamiliar body responses, unpredictability and loss of c