From Mother to Caregiver: (Mothering Children with Lifelong Care Needs Across the Life Course)

Mothers caring for children with complex health and social care needs are socially responsible for preserving and fostering the lives of their children and families, sometimes under extreme pressure and expectations. This work of caring for children is overwhelmingly the responsibility of mothers. The social expectation in most cultures is that mothers should care for their children regardless of the medical, social, economic, or physical circumstances. These experiences of mothering and care work, structured from women’ s daily lives, have been largely unknown, hidden, or silenced, and not considered as important knowledge. This book is an international collection written by mothers, about mothering and caregiving. The submissions straddle the continuum between personal accounts and research. The collection offers insight into how to support and build capacity for mothers’ profound courage, creativity, persistence, and strengths in meeting these care responsibilities. These experiences provide insight into the need for equitable care arrangements and care models that support mothers caring for children with complex care needs.