Pandemic motherhood and mental overload in Aotearoa

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-04-05 10:42

New Zealand

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Researchers interviewed a diverse group of 24 mothers living in Aotearoa during the COVID-19 pandemic to understand their shared and varied experiences. While some mothers with older children, without stressful jobs, some financial security and family support, reported enjoying the lockdowns, the majority of interviewees said that pandemic caused significant stress as they worried about their children's wellbeing and managed multiple roles and responsibilities from home. For Māori, Pacific, migrant and single mothers, these stresses were intensified by various forms of isolation, judgement, and discrimination. Many mothers reached out to and supported fellow mothers as social support systems strained. However, for all mothers, it was the return of childcare that offered the biggest relief to their health and wellbeing.