ABSTRACT
Being pregnant, giving birth and mothering is challenging in itself, but when it takes place during a pandemic it intensifies the emotional and psychological aspects of being and becoming a mother and magnifies the existential dimensions of the experience. This chapter explores the existential themes of mortality, natality and maternity; isolation and relatedness; freedom and choice; anxiety and uncertainty which have emerged through the therapeutic work with women during the pandemic. While many women experienced significant challenges, there were also some unexpected upsides to the pandemic, highlighting how changes in how we face maternity could lead to better support for mothers and fathers.
