BECOMING A MOTHER: EXPERIENCES OF INDONESIAN WOMEN WITH HIV/AIDS
Abstract
Becoming a mother represents an important transition in many women’s lives, but being infected with HIV can render this role particularly challenging. The objective of this study was to examine the experiences of women with HIV/AIDS in their roles as mothers. The study is qualitative with a phenomenological design. Data were collected via in-depth interviews with five women with HIV/AIDS. Triangulation was undertaken through interviews with obstetrics and gynecology specialists, nurses and participants’ husbands. The results demonstrate that the women monitored their pregnancy on a regular basis, saw their children delivered by Caesarean section, did not breastfeed, and took care of their children with family assistance. The author concludes that the experiences of the women with HIV were nearly identical, undertaking their roles as mothers despite their infection.