Caring for Mothers: a Pastoral Study on Managing Migraines During Maternity. Are Social Media Helpful?

Abstract

Background: Personal growth and health care are crucial during a woman's productive working period of life but also represent a fundamental necessity for mothers on maternity leave, particularly within culturally ingrained practices such as those observed in Slovakia . The tradition of maternity and later parental leave, which lasts up here to three years, is a relatively rare model of childcare among European countries. Most Slovak mothers consider this time a benefit, even though this approach might result in a significant loss of their professional development while dedicating their time to household and childcare during these three years. Methods: The aim of this research was to explore the experiences of mothers on maternity or parental leave who suffer from migraines, as well as their perceptions regarding the use of social media (SM) whilst suffering from this condition. Qualitative research methodology was used to conduct the research. 17 respondents, mothers on maternity or parental leave, from different regions of Slovakia and different socio-economic backgrounds participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Results: Research findings indicate that for the mothers in our study, social media serves as a crucial resource for: 1) obtaining essential information on migraine treatments and relief strategies, 2) finding inspiration for managing their condition, particularly through "stories of others" dealing with similar health issues, 3) gaining social support from online communities, and 4) focusing on self-care through content related to self-care practices shared on social media. Conclusion: The results of this research can assist healthcare providers and social policy makers in enhancing the quality of healthcare services, particularly in providing online support for mothers during maternity or parental leave. Furthermore, these findings may serve as a valuable resource for future studies and play a role in advancing more effective healthcare practices in both traditional and digital settings.