# “I got all sorts of solitude, but that solitude wasn't mine”: A mixed‐methods approach to understanding aloneness during becoming a mother

## TL;DR

This study explores how first-time mothers experience aloneness during the transition to motherhood, showing how solitude and loneliness are influenced by caregiving demands and changing priorities.

## Contribution

The study introduces a nuanced understanding of aloneness by distinguishing solitude, loneliness, and social isolation in early motherhood.

## Key findings

- Mothers reported less restorative solitude due to caregiving demands, increasing feelings of loneliness.
- Time spent alone with a baby was perceived differently based on interaction and caregiving intensity.
- Personal and social time both improved mood, highlighting the importance of restorative activities for emotional well-being.

## Abstract

This study examines the evolving experiences of “aloneness” in first‐time mothers during their transition to motherhood. While the term is often used to describe new mothers' experiences, it tends to blur distinct yet overlapping constructs such as solitude, loneliness, and social isolation. Study 1 involved qualitative interviews with 22 mothers, revealing three themes: the ambivalent companionship of a baby, the multifaceted nature of post‐motherhood aloneness, and a shift in priorities that diminished both the quantity and quality of solitude. Although mothers often spent more time physically alone, solitude free from caregiving demands became scarce, contributing to increased loneliness and isolation. Time alone with a baby was perceived variably, depending on interaction level and caregiving demands. Study 2 analysed one‐week Ecological Momentary Assessment data from 47 new mothers, tracking daily activities and emotional well‐being. Personal time (time spent for oneself) and social time were both linked to improved mood. These findings highlight the challenges of accessing restorative time when under sustained emotional and cognitive demands. Beyond early parenthood, this study extends solitude research by providing empirical evidence that subjective solitude is shaped not only by social presence or absence but also by the psychological load imposed by social demands.