Browsing by Author "Swart, Alisia"

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    Ongehude moeders se gemoedstoestand voor en na geboorte
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1993) Swart, Alisia; Fourie, S.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: An exploratory study was undertaken to investigate the state of mind of the unmarried mother, before and after the birth. In particular, the unmarried mother who decided to make her baby available for adoption was singled out for attention. The role of the social worker before the birth and the grief process following the adoption received scrutiny. The empiric investigation is based on both a literature study and the Hudson scales were used to measure two components, namely self-esteem and generalised contentment. All of the unmarried mothers resided in an institution for unmarried mothers. Specific attention was given to the psychosocial implications of a pregnancy out of wedlock, not only on the family of origin, but also on a broader spectrum of the unmarried mother's life. An antenatal assistance programme was designed for the birth mother who makes her baby available for adoption, particularly with regard to future choices. An attempt was also made to identify antenatal tasks with regard to the preparation for adoption, as well as the practical guidelines and procedures of the open adoption process. Giving a baby up for adoption constitutes a very great loss. The healing process begins only when the birth parents start talking about their loss. If they attempt to block the grief process, the repressed feelings will emerge later in their lives when they again experience a loss. Consequently the steps of the grief process is presented in a framework which the social worker can use as a guideline in assisting the birth parents in this grief process. The conclusion is reached that aftercare therapy is an essential part of the process of rendering assistance to the birth parents. Purposeful grief work and support can give rise to the birth parents being reintegrated in the community and even lead to personal growth.