Negation in the childbearing continuum: an in-depth exploration of women's narratives in the UK

Rooney, JS ORCID: 0000-0003-0180-9242 (2025) Negation in the childbearing continuum: an in-depth exploration of women's narratives in the UK. Doctoral thesis, Public and Allied health.

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Abstract

Background: Negated childbearing is difficult to define, and can include both conscious concealment, and conscious and unconscious denial of pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period and beyond. The phenomena of hidden and unknown childbearing have a historical background but are also present in modern day society and communities, a story which is often played out in the media. With no agreement on prevalence and socio-demographic factors, current evidence indicates that this is an event that although poorly understood, can provoke strong reactions and commentary from within and outside of maternity services. A lack of awareness and a limited evidence base provided a strong rationale for a qualitative exploration of this phenomenon. The storied experiences of women who have been through negated childbearing are largely unexplored, unheard and minimised within the literature.

Aim: A reflexive, narrative research approach provides an alternative and dynamic framework for an in-depth exploration of the distinct phenomena of negated childbearing, through the unique individual and shared stories gathered, in modern day society and communities.

Participants and Data Collection: A sample of six women narrated their individual stories through one question, unstructured, in-depth interviews. The women shared their experiences and stories with each other online, through a unique secret Facebook group, which acted as a virtual focus group and safe space for sharing.

Data Analysis: Narrative analyses of the data from the interviews and the Facebook group were employed, and utilised the thematic (thread), structural and performative strands to knit together and present “matryoshka” narratives which emerged. To give depth, narrative tone and situational lens concepts were employed. Poetry techniques were used as performative analysis, drawing on the threads and story structure.

Findings: Individual stories revealed narrative threads including trauma, dyad, guilt and family and friends. Storytelling and structuring revealed complex plotlines, and a consistent revisiting of storied elements. Shared conversations generated storied aspects and further threads around diagnosis, mental health and future pregnancy. Found poetry provides a powerful, holistic presentation of stories. Broader theories and concepts have been considered and discussed, as they impact upon the contextuality of the narratives in relation to current midwifery practice.

Recommendations: The importance of stories and storytelling, through holding space is important in generating a different discourse, and raising awareness of negated childbearing, alongside the need to improve care using a trauma informed approach. A new proposed definition, model and areas for further research and education are key elements.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Childbearing; Negation; Narrative; concealed; unknown; women's stories
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Divisions:	Public and Allied Health
Date of acceptance:	9 September 2025
Date of first compliant Open Access:	26 September 2025
Date Deposited:	26 Sep 2025 16:40
Last Modified:	26 Sep 2025 16:40
DOI or ID number:	10.24377/LJMU.t.00027187
Supervisors:	Fleming, V, Maxwell, C and Lewitt, M
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/27187

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