The meaning of intuition to first-time mothers: A phenomenological perspective

The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of intuition as experienced by first-time mothers. A phenomenological approach employing van Manen's research method was utilized. Six participants described their experiences of being first-time mothers. Seven essential themes emerged: Naturalness, Knowing, Connection, Value, Delivering Comfort, Structure, and Transformation. These themes describe the lived experience as the essence of Naturalness to facilitate Knowing the Connection to one's infant is Valuing intuition in Delivering Comfort that is without Structure and involves self Transformation. The unity of meaning discovered from the data is stated as: The Illumination of Intuition to First-Time Mothers and Experiencing the Presence of Other. The results of this study suggest that the recognition of intuition to first-time mothers is significant to nursing and nursing practice.