Women's use of social networking sites related to childbearing: An integrative review.

BACKGROUND: Social support is essential in both the transition to motherhood and maternal role development. With diminishing access to traditional communities of motherhood wisdom, women struggle to access this information in their tangible worlds.

AIM: This paper presents a review of the research literature investigating childbearing women's use of social networking sites related to pregnancy and parenting and how these may influence women's experiences of the childbearing period.

METHOD: An integrative review.

FINDINGS: Today's women are increasingly drawn to the online environment, particularly social media groups, to connect with other childbearing women. Their online interactions influence their childbearing decisions and empower them to challenge expert narratives. Social networking presents a mechanism for mothers to build bonding and bridging social capital through the formation of virtual networks.

DISCUSSION: The value of emotional and instrumental support gained in online environments should not be underestimated and has benefits for childbearing women. While childbearing women are far from gullible in trusting online sources, health professionals may have a role in educating women in the evaluation information gained through online interactions. Insight into mothers' experiences of using closed online groups over longer periods would also be valuable.

CONCLUSION: Mother's understandings of childbearing norms are being shaped through digital, mother to mother interactions. Maternity care disciplines should work toward establishing a better understanding of the meaning and worth that mothers receive from ongoing participation in online groups. This knowledge has the potential to identify and address shortcomings to better meet the needs of new mothers.