| This qualitative study employed Moustakas (1990), heuristic methodology and concentrated on the question: "What is the maternal lived experience of conceiving through in vitro fertilization treatment and raising triplets?" The research explored the emotional and psychological lived experience of eight women, including this researcher. Each triplet mother volunteered to participate and met the prescreening selection criteria. This research emphasized the theoretical model of attachment theory, neonatal trauma theory, and the psychosocial stages of development. The data was collected through face to face interviews that were transcribed and analyzed. The analysis produced results which focused on five themes and eighteen patterns that highlighted the psychological progression of adaptation and integration into triplet motherhood. The participant's experiences of becoming a triplet mother were unique and life altering. These women possessed the fortitude to continue on and became resilient in the process. The researcher was opened to the process of self-discovery, giving her an overall sense of respect and gratitude for the mothers of triplets. The participants in this study were motivated and determined to move through the progression of adaptation and integration in order to be a triplet mother. The participants all stated they needed support and resources in order to successfully conceive through in vitro fertilization and raise their triplets. In conclusion, this study has future recommendations based on the results of how this lived experience has impacted each mother of triplets psychological functioning. This study provides a premise for adopting a comprehensive program that provides services, education, and resources from the onset of conception through the process and integration of raising triplets. |
