What are some relational problems a woman might have as a result of a motherless childhood?

Question

Any psychology guru's out there?
What are some problems that sometimes arise in women that grew up without a mother (died giving birth)? I know we discussed this in a psych class back in college but I forget everything and google isn't helping much. I'm sure it depends on many factors in the childhood, but what if she had a good father and otherwise "normal" youth? Are there any problems I should look for or be aware of? Any emotional needs that need extra attention? I'm dating a great woman in her late 20's. We're about the same age and this hasn't been an issue other then she's afraid she might not be a good mother in the future because of it. Got any web sites I could read? Thanks!

Answer 1

She should be ok if she had a good father and a 'normal' youth. There may be some uncertainity about how to interact with or understand children, but that is nothing a good partner and some good (reputable) books, classes or support groups couldn't help!
Problem mothering seems to come as a result of unresolved trauma involving the person's mom (such as abuse, neglect, mental illness) that was never dealt with or healed. Of course death is a trauma (even though she was an infant), but if she had a good dad and a loving family otherwise, there would have been resolution and healing as she was growing up. A good example of that is: Maybe her father kept pictures of her mother for her to look at and connect with, even though her mom was not there physically. He may have told her various stories about her mom and was open to questions she had. This creates an environment for adapting and resolving this 'trauma'; therefore there will not be any serious unresolved issues for her as a mom. This scenario would have been completely different if she would have lost her mom from abuse, alcoholism, etc...
That kind of trauma is ongoing and tends to create deep and unhealthy roots- mentally and emotionally.
(make sense?!?)
Emotional needs that may need attention would be confidence. She may need some extra boosts- even with little things- in the beginning. But with a supportive family and spouse, she will become comfortable and successful in being a mom.
By the way: MOST first-time moms are a wreck! I know I was- babies don't come with an instruction booklet, so it is scary and difficult even if you DO have a mom to refer to...
If you want to know more, I suggest going to one of the larger bookstores (Barnes and Noble, Borders...) and just look through selections involving death, grief, single-parent homes, childrearing, mommy self-help, etc.
I hope this helps! You are a sweetie to be concerned for her ;-)

(ignore any misspellings- written in a hurry!)

Answer 2

the precise answer to this relies upon upon the denomination and custom of the Christian in contact. usually marriage to a non-Christian is discouraged yet no longer banned. There are Biblical passages about residing a righteous existence in order to remodel the non-Christian spouse. also, if a believer is married to a non-believer and the non-believer needs a divorce the Bible says to allow the non-believer go away. There are in straight forward words 2 formally known motives for divorce: sexual infedelity and being married to a non-Christian. Do note that in accordance to Christianity any little ones born to the marriage might want to be raised Christian. Do comprehend also that some cultural practices consumer-friendly in Muslim international places are banned by Christianity. you've cultural besides as non secular complications.

Answer 3

Trouble relating to women might be a concern. Possible concerns about abandonment. But if she doesn't seem to be exhibiting these problems, don't go looking for them! And concerns about being a mother are perfectly normal to all women, whether we have moms or not. I know I worry about it all the time. And at least your woman has a "blank slate" of motherhood; some of women have terrible role models as mothers. (in case somehow my own mother sees this, my concerns about motherhood have nothing to do with you, you were pretty darn good!)

Answer 4

There are lots of issues related to Maternal Deprivation (where child forms a bond with parent and then it is removed) and Maternal Privation (no bond ever forms) one of the most serious being Emotionless Psychopathy. Put these into search engine and see what you get. Also search Bowlby, the main psychotherapist in this field.