Mum's the Word: Exploring Early Motherhood

Mums are the focus of a new study being undertaken by RMIT University researcher Leanne Sheeran.

Ms Sheeran, a maternal and child health nurse and mother of three from Broadford in Victoria, received a $10,000 grant from the Royal College of Nursing to complete her PhD study into early motherhood at RMIT University's Division of Nursing and Midwifery.

The study, entitled, 'Mum's the Word: Exploring Early Motherhood', will look at what being a mother is like for first-time mothers in country Victoria. Women from rural Victorian areas including Broadford, Wallan, Seymour and Puckapunyal are participating in the research.

"While a lot has been written about motherhood, little research has been done about the experience of early motherhood from the perspective of women," Ms Sheeran said.

"The findings of the study will help women and families understand and better anticipate the experiences of early motherhood.

"It will also provide health professionals with new information about women's experiences of early motherhood."

Ms Sheeran, who manages maternal and child health centres at Kilmore, Wandong and Pyalong, has a special interest in breastfeeding, postnatal depression, parent-infant relationships, new parents and child development. She has worked as a maternal and child health nurse for 10 years.

The research is being overseen by Professor Gay Edgecombe, RMIT University's Clinical Chair of Community Child Health Nursing and Dr Anthony Welch, Program Leader of the university's Bachelor of Nursing program.

Leanne Sheeran is available for interview on 0405 537 808.

Media enquiries: RMIT Media and Communications (03) 9925 1801