The meaning of body and movement within the emotional world of a new mother: a case study

Abstract This article examines the roles of body and movement in the structuring of the mother’s perceptions of her relationship with her daughter and her inner world during the first postpartum year. Autoethnographic paradigm was used. The article depicts the process in which researcher-mother gathered movement materials using concepts of the Authentic Movement discipline; and writing materials gathered via associative and reflective writing. The focussing was given to internal factors, such as inner emotional dynamics of a mother that may affect motherhood experience. Materials were analysed using a qualitative method. The findings are described herein. The analysis of the materials reveals fundamental functions of the researcher-mother’s body: first, the described process aids in coping with stress and anxiety. Second, embodiment serves as a tool for forming a maternal caregiving style. Third, described process allows the experience of strengthening the mother–daughter bond. These findings are explained using various psychoanalytical theories and neurophysiological mechanisms.