Psychology

Sociology

Women and Birth

Social support is essential in both the transition to motherhood and maternal role development. With diminishing access to traditional communities of motherhood wisdom, women struggle to access this information in their tangible worlds. This paper presents a review of the research literature investigating childbearing women’s use of social networking sites related to pregnancy and parenting and how these may influence women’s experiences of the childbearing period. An integrative review. Today’s women are increasingly drawn to the online environment, particularly social media groups, to connect with other childbearing women. Their online interactions influence their childbearing decisions and empower them to challenge expert narratives. Social networking presents a mechanism for mothers to build bonding and bridging social capital through the formation of virtual networks. The value of emotional and instrumental support gained in online environments should not be underestimated and has benefits for childbeari...

Women’s use of social networking sites related to childbearing: An integrative review