“Motherhood is a work in progress”: a qualitative longitudinal study of maternal subjectivity and well-being of women in the Bukhali trial in Soweto, South Africa

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

A core aim of Bukhali is to inform public health policy in South Africa.

“Additionally, a core aim of Bukhali is to inform public health policy in South Africa (46).”

• cites [46] Norris, 2022, Building knowledge, optimising physical and mental health and setting up healthier life trajectories in South African women (bukhali): a preconception randomised control trial part of the healthy life trajectories initiative (HeLTI), BMJ open sourceSupported

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Post-apartheid unemployment in South Africa is extremely high, often requiring women to work outside the home and therefore not be available to care for their children full-time.

“Now, post-apartheid, unemployment in South Africa is extremely high, often requiring women to work outside the home and therefore not be available to care for their children full-time (7, 17).”

• cites [7] Govender, 2020, I have to provide for another life emotionally, physically and financially”: understanding pregnancy, motherhood and the future aspirations of adolescent mothers in KwaZulu-natal south, Africa, BMC Pregnancy Childbirth sourceCould not verify

  The Discussion reports financial hardship among adolescent mothers, and the Results describe childcare difficulties that prevented some from returning to school. Neither section addresses the claim that post-apartheid unemployment is extremely high or that women consequently work outside the home and cannot care for their children full-time (searched: unemployment, work outside the home, childcare). (LLM, conf=0.75)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [17] Pillay, 2020, Kinship capital: young mothers, kinship networks and support in urban South Africa, Soc Dyn sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The transition to motherhood can provoke anxiety, depression, or existential reflection, profoundly affect relationships, and induce feelings of isolation and inadequacy.

“It is also well documented that the transition to motherhood can provoke anxiety, depression, or existential reflection, profoundly affect relationships, and induce feelings of isolation and inadequacy (18, 19).”

• cites [18] Meyer-Österlund, 2026, The transition to motherhood: a qualitative study of new mothers’ experiences of loneliness and associated challenges, Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being sourcePartly supported

  The Introduction (page unavailable) describes profound psychological and relational changes, including relationship challenges and social isolation. The Conclusions (page unavailable) link becoming a new mother to social, emotional, and existential loneliness, including self-questioning and pressure to perform. These passages support much of the claim, but they do not establish that the transition provokes anxiety or depression; the paper distinguishes existential loneliness from depressive symptoms in its Discussion. (LLM, conf=0.88)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [19] Levey, 2023Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Significant empirical research from Soweto cohorts has expanded the literature on adolescent pregnancy risk factors, perinatal social support, pregnancy termination decision-making, and postpartum mental health among Soweto mothers.

“While significant empirical research from Soweto cohorts has expanded the literature on a range of topics, including adolescent pregnancy risk factors, perinatal social support, pregnancy termination decision-making, and postpartum mental health among Soweto mothers (38–41).”

• cites [38] Bosire, 2021, A qualitative study of risks and protective factors against pregnancy among sexually-active adolescents in soweto, South Africa, PLOS global Public Health sourceSupported
• cites [39] Mabetha, 2024, Young women’s social support networks during pregnancy in soweto, South Africa, Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med sourceSupported
• cites [40] Mabetha, 2024, A qualitative exploration of the reasons and influencing factors for pregnancy termination among young women in soweto, South Africa: a socio-ecological perspective, Reprod Health sourceSupported
• cites [41] Cantrell, 2025, Maternal perspectives on poor mental health and the impact on mother-infant relationships, J Reprod Infant Psychol sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Data from South Africa show persistent symptom trajectories from pregnancy through five years postpartum.

“For example, data from South Africa show persistent symptom trajectories from pregnancy through five years postpartum (59).”

• cites [59] MacGinty, 2025, Longitudinally investigating patterns of maternal psychological distress in a South African birth cohort, BMC Public Health sourceSupported

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Matrescence is a critical period in the life course, not only biologically, but also socially and psychologically.

“Matrescence is a critical period in the life course, not only biologically, but also socially and psychologically, and we recommend that it ought to be recognised as a key life course event and process when designing early life interventions.”

• cites [31] Kruger, 2020Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites [60] Athan, 2024, A critical need for the concept of matrescence in perinatal psychiatry, Front Psychiatry sourceSupported
• cites [61] Orchard, 2023, Matrescence: lifetime impact of motherhood on cognition and the brain, Trends Cogn Sci sourceSupported
• cites [62] Leahy, 2023Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Our findings reinforce the importance of understanding matrescence as a critical life-course transition with direct implications for maternal mental health and reproductive wellbeing.

“Our findings thus reinforce the importance of understanding matrescence as a critical life-course transition with direct implications for maternal mental health and reproductive wellbeing (31, 60–62).”

• cites [31] Kruger, 2020Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites [60] Athan, 2024, A critical need for the concept of matrescence in perinatal psychiatry, Front Psychiatry sourceSupported
• cites [61] Orchard, 2023, Matrescence: lifetime impact of motherhood on cognition and the brain, Trends Cogn Sci sourcePartly supported

  The Concluding Remarks describe matrescence as a sensitive neurocognitive developmental period with potential lifelong implications. The Environmental Factors section also discusses low mood and reduced emotional resources in new mothers. The paper does not establish the claimed direct implications for reproductive wellbeing, and its principal focus is maternal cognition and brain health. (LLM, conf=0.84)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [62] Leahy, 2023Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

These findings align with studies highlighting the role of structural inequalities in shaping maternal outcomes in South Africa.

“These findings align with studies highlighting the role of structural inequalities in shaping maternal outcomes in South Africa (66, 67).”

• cites [66] Wabiri, 2016, Growing inequities in maternal health in South Africa: a comparison of serial national household surveys, BMC Pregnancy Childbirth sourceSupported
• cites [67] Posel, 2023, Going beyond female-headed households: household composition and gender differences in poverty, Development Southern Africa (Sandton, South Africa) sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Few participants worked in the formal sector (e.g., call centres, teacher assistants, retail), and their contracts were unstable, often lasting less than a year.

“Few participants worked in the formal sector (e.g., call centres, teacher assistants, retail), and their contracts were unstable, often lasting less than a year.”

May combine two claims.

The necessity of sacrifice and re-evaluating personal ambitions is an everyday part of motherhood rather than an exception, requiring balance between personal goals and children's immediate needs.

“The third theme emphasises the necessity of sacrifice and re-evaluating personal ambitions, an everyday part of motherhood rather than an exception, requiring balance between personal goals and children's immediate needs.”

May combine two claims.

Overall, participants described their experiences of motherhood as emotionally turbulent and, at times, intensely ambivalent.

“Overall, our participants described their experiences of motherhood as emotionally turbulent and, at times, intensely ambivalent.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

51 participants were mothers of at least one child at the first interview.

“All 60 participants are Black African women, of whom 51 were mothers of at least one child at the first interview.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

All 60 participants are Black African women.

“All 60 participants are Black African women, of whom 51 were mothers of at least one child at the first interview.”

May combine two claims.

The majority of the 60 participants are single; some are in serious relationships that do not necessarily imply cohabitation, and very few women live with their partners.

“The majority of the 60 participants we interviewed are single; some are in serious relationships that do not necessarily imply cohabitation, and very few women live with their partners.”

May combine two claims.

Participants valued health education related to trials but reported no support for motherhood transition.

“Participants valued health education related to trials but reported no support for motherhood transition.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

43 participants had completed secondary school; 17 had not.

“In terms of education level, 43 participants had completed secondary school; 17 had not.”

May combine two claims.

Many participants experienced a 'rollercoaster' of stress, leading to mixed feelings; some who initially described motherhood as very demanding in the first interview had, by the third interview, embraced their role.

“Many participants experienced a “rollercoaster” of stress, leading to mixed feelings; for example, some who initially described motherhood as very demanding in the first interview had, by the third interview, embraced their role.”

May combine two claims.

Women's experiences of motherhood in Soweto within the Bukhali cohort illustrate four key characteristics: emotional rollercoaster, financial pressure, sacrifice, and social support.

“Our data illustrate four key characteristics of young women's subjective experiences of motherhood in Soweto within the Bukhali cohort. First, the transition to motherhood is described as an ‘emotional rollercoaster’; second, as a time of financial pressure; third, as one that entails significant sacrifice; and fourth, as one that requires significant social support, especially for new mothers.”

May combine two claims.

Women described how lost opportunities were compounded by a lack of family or social support, or more positively, how support (especially from their own mothers) helped them to cope.

“Most poignantly, women described how these lost opportunities were compounded by a lack of family or social support, or more positively, how it was support (especially from their own mothers) that helped them to cope.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

26 participants had attained tertiary education.

“Twenty-six participants had attained tertiary education, indicating varied educational trajectories within the cohort.”

May combine two claims.

Although most of the interviewed mothers receive the state child grant as designated caregivers, the grant is insufficient to cover the food, clothing, childcare, education and healthcare they want to provide for their children.

“Although most of the interviewed mothers receive the state child grant as designated caregivers, the grant is insufficient to cover the food, clothing, childcare, education and healthcare they want to provide for their children.”

May combine two claims.

These women face dual burdens: they are both primary earners and primary caregivers.

“These women face dual burdens: they are both primary earners and primary caregivers.”

May combine two claims.

Although they mentioned sacrifices (school, work, and other opportunities) made due to motherhood, most participants were still dreaming of the moment when they could achieve their goals, successes, and ambitions.

“Although they have mentioned the sacrifices (school, work, and other opportunities) they’ve made due to motherhood, most participants were still dreaming of the moment when they could achieve their goals, successes, and ambitions.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The qualitative cohort initially comprised 60 women who participated in the first round of interviews (February-May 2023).

“The qualitative cohort initially comprised 60 women who participated in the first round of interviews (February–May 2023).”

May combine two claims.

Other participants expressed a lack of family support and felt they were navigating motherhood alone.

“In contrast, other participants expressed a lack of family support and felt they were navigating motherhood alone:”

May combine two claims.

Women characterised motherhood as a journey marked by fluctuations, with emotionally challenging moments that lead to fatigue and stress.

“As described in Box 1, case 1, women characterised motherhood as a journey marked by fluctuations, with emotionally challenging moments that lead to fatigue and stress:”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Only 22 participants were employed.

“Only 22 participants were employed.”

May combine two claims.

Social support's presence is vital, while its absence can lead to feelings of isolation, postnatal depression, and parenting difficulties for single mothers.

“The fourth stresses the crucial role of social support: its presence is vital, while its absence can lead to feelings of isolation, postnatal depression, and parenting difficulties for single mothers.”

The quote only partly states this claim.

The transition to motherhood entails significant sacrifice.

“third, as one that entails significant sacrifice”

May combine two claims.

The 'emotional rollercoaster' was exacerbated by the difficulties of discussing feelings; participants frequently described a household environment that discouraged emotional expression and hindered communication with their parents.

“The ‘emotional rollercoaster’ was exacerbated by the difficulties of discussing feelings; participants frequently described a household environment that discouraged emotional expression and hindered communication with their parents.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

QLR participants were aged 22-34 years at the time of Wave 1 data collection.

“QLR participants were aged 22–34 years at the time of Wave 1 data collection.”

May combine two claims.

The data attest to how mothers often place their children's needs above their own, sacrificing personal ambitions, goals, and time, including stepping back from careers and working extra jobs, with consequences for their emotional well-being.

“The data also attest to how mothers often place their children's needs above their own, sacrificing personal ambitions, goals, and time, including stepping back from careers and working extra jobs, with consequences for their emotional well-being.”

May combine two claims.

Given that participants are mostly single mothers, many take on the responsibility of ensuring financial stability for their children and, in most cases, the entire extended family.

“In addition, given that our participants are mostly single mothers, many take on the responsibility of ensuring financial stability for their children and, in most cases, the entire extended family (63, 64).”

• cites [63] Posel, 2025, Who cares? Gender differences in social reproduction and well-being in South Africa, Gend Work Organ sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [64] Ntshongwana, 2024 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

There is a robust and growing international qualitative literature on maternal subjectivities, predominantly focused on Global North contexts.

“While there is a robust and growing international qualitative literature on maternal subjectivities (predominantly focused on Global North contexts) (27–29), there is a considerably lower amount that draws on qualitative longitudinal research (QLR), a significant gap given the highly dynamic nature of maternal subjectivities over time.”

• cites [27] Johnson, 2018, I see my section scar like a battle scar”: the ongoing embodied subjectivity of maternity, Fem Psychol sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [28] Raneberg, 2024, Living in two worlds’: a qualitative analysis of first-time mothers’ experiences of maternal ambivalence, J Reprod Infant Psychol sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [29] Neely, 2024, Beyond voice: an onto-epistemological analysis of maternal transition inquiry, Fem Psychol sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

HeLTI is grounded in the science of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD), which holds that early-life interventions are the most effective for lifelong health outcomes.

“HeLTI is grounded in the science of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD), which holds that early-life interventions are the most effective for lifelong health outcomes (45).”

• cites [45] Poston, 2022 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Social support can protect the physical and emotional well-being of those exposed to stress through a buffering effect, thereby reducing psychological distress, depression and anxiety.

“Furthermore, social support can protect the physical and emotional well-being of those exposed to stress through a buffering effect, thereby reducing psychological distress, depression and anxiety (23, 24).”

• cites [23] Pössel, 2018, Associations between social support from family, friends, and teachers and depressive symptoms in adolescents, J Youth Adolesc sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [24] Turner, 1981, Social support as a contingency in psychological well-being, J Health Soc Behav sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Research drawing on qualitative longitudinal data in South Africa is very limited and tends to make maternal subjectivity contingent on other topics.

“Research drawing on qualitative longitudinal data is very limited and tends to make the maternal subjectivity contingent on other topics (for example, Moses and Tomlinson, 2012, and their focus on HIV disclosure) (37).”

• cites [37] Moses, 2013, The fluidity of disclosure: a longitudinal exploration of women’s experience and understanding of HIV disclosure in the context of pregnancy and early motherhood, AIDS care sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Matrescence is a time when women are especially vulnerable.

“A key art of this journey is that of matrescence, the developmental change a woman goes through in becoming a mother, which is a time when women are especially vulnerable (13).”

• cites [13] Parimi, 2026, Matrescence: a critical and sensitive period in the maternal and child health (MCH) life course perspective, Women’s Health Issues sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In the South African literature, there is a growing corpus of social science research that attends to the diversity of maternal subjectivity.

“There is a similar pattern in the South African literature: while there is a growing corpus of social science research that attends to the diversity of maternal subjectivity (30–36).”

• cites [30] Boswell, 2020 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [31] Kruger, 2020Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites [32] Majombozi, 2019, Care, contagion and the good mother: narratives of motherhood, tuberculosis and healing, Anthropology Southern Africa sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [33] Mkhwanazi, 2020Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [34] Pentecost, 2019, The first thousand days: motherhood, scientific knowledge, and local histories, Med Anthropol sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [35] Ross, 2016 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [36] Salo, 2010, Men, women, temporality and critical ethnography in Africa—the imperative for a transdisciplinary conversation, Anthropology Southern Africa sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The social network, or 'kinship capital', plays a key role in support for mothers, especially in low-income urban spaces.

“The social network, or what Pillay calls ‘kinship capital’, plays a key role in support for mothers, especially in low-income urban spaces (17).”

• cites [17] Pillay, 2020, Kinship capital: young mothers, kinship networks and support in urban South Africa, Soc Dyn sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Even the mere perception of support improves health and well-being by reducing stress levels.

“Notably, even the mere perception of support improves health and well-being by reducing stress levels (25, 26).”

• cites [25] Reid, 2015, Social support, stress, and maternal postpartum depression: a comparison of supportive relationships, Soc Sci Res sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [26] Taylor, 2011, “Social Support: A Review” sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In South Africa, the experience and enactment of motherhood have always taken distinct forms because of colonialism, apartheid and its aftermath.

“In South Africa, the experience and enactment of motherhood have always taken distinct forms because of the effects of changing social and political realities wrought by colonialism, apartheid and its aftermath.”

• cites [14] Lee, 2009 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [15] Ross, 2012 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [16] Spiegel, 1996, Domestic diversity and fluidity among some African households in greater Cape Town, Soc Dyn sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

This emotional pattern aligns with evidence of high levels of psychological distress among mothers, particularly in low-resource settings.

“This emotional pattern aligns with evidence of high levels of psychological distress among mothers, particularly in low-resource settings.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Interviewers debriefed after each interview to reflect on these issues and maintain analytical consistency.

“Interviewers debriefed after each interview to reflect on these issues and maintain analytical consistency.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Codes were discussed in team meetings where interpretations were tested and refined collaboratively.

“These codes were discussed in team meetings with DW, LM, TH, and MP, where interpretations were tested and refined collaboratively.”

May combine two claims.

Across the interview waves, the interviewers developed familiarity and relationships with returning participants, which facilitated rapport and trust, resulting in more open conversations and richer data.

“Across the interview waves, the interviewers developed familiarity and relationships with returning participants. This greatly facilitated rapport and trust between the participants and interviewers, resulting in more open conversations and richer data.”

May combine two claims.

Motherhood in Soweto is complex and influenced by structural constraints and change.

“Motherhood in Soweto is complex and influenced by structural constraints and change.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Written consent was obtained during the first interview, with verbal consent recorded for subsequent waves.

“Written consent was obtained during the first interview, with verbal consent recorded for subsequent waves.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The researchers needed to reflect on how their familiar relationships could have influenced the data.

“The researchers did, however, need to reflect on how their familiar relationships could have influenced the data, for example, how their affective attitudes to participants could shape the analysis positively or negatively.”

May combine two claims.

The burden of 'having to provide no matter what' contributes to depression, anxiety and exhaustion among these mothers.

“The burden of “having to provide no matter what” contributes to depression, anxiety and exhaustion.”

May combine two claims.

Labour market informality and instability is a core contributor to economic vulnerability among these women, and a major source of mothers' anxiety and stress.

“This highlights labour market informality and instability as a core contributor to economic vulnerability among these women, a major source of mothers’ anxiety and stress.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Divergent views were discussed until a shared understanding was reached.

“Divergent views, such as whether sacrifice was economic or relational, were discussed until a shared understanding was reached.”

May combine two claims.

In daily efforts to make ends meet, motherhood becomes inseparable from sacrifice and responsibility, as women consistently prioritise and worry about their children's needs, often before their own.

“In these daily efforts to make ends meet, motherhood becomes inseparable from sacrifice and responsibility, as women consistently prioritise and worry about their children’s needs, often before their own.”

May combine two claims.

Attrition was due to participants changing their contact numbers, relocating, or declining an interview due to new work or childcare commitments.

“Some attrition across the waves was due to participants changing their contact numbers, relocating, or declining an interview due to new work or childcare commitments.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Of the 60 women, 45 took part in the second round, 32 in the third round, and 41 in the fourth round.

“Of these, 45 took part in the second round (September–October 2023), 32 in the third round (April–May and September–October 2024), and 41 in the fourth round (March–April and August–September 2025).”

May combine two claims.

Kinship support varies, challenging assumptions of female solidarity.

“The caregiver-earner dual burden reflects post-apartheid gendered labour, while kinship support varies, challenging assumptions of female solidarity.”

May combine two claims.

None of the participants who did not attend the follow-up study formally withdrew; they declined an interview for practical reasons but consented to be contacted for future waves.

“None of the participants who did not attend the follow-up study formally withdrew from the study; rather, they declined an interview for practical reasons but consented to be contacted for future waves.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Reflexivity is essential in qualitative longitudinal research, as it acknowledges how the team's positionalities influence data collection and interpretation.

“Reflexivity is essential in qualitative longitudinal research, as it acknowledges how the team's positionalities influence data collection and interpretation (Neale, 2021).”

• cites Neale, 2021Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

Zinhle's case illustrates the common sacrifices faced by some mothers in the study: a fractured sense of self, a loss of autonomy, and ambivalence about sacrificing personal aspirations.

“Zinhle's case (Box 3) illustrates the common sacrifices faced by some mothers in the study: a fractured sense of self, a loss of autonomy, and ambivalence about sacrificing personal aspirations.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Ethical approval for this study was granted by the University of the Witwatersrand Human Research Ethics Committee (Medical) (M210157) on 26 February 2021.

“Ethical approval for this study was granted by the University of the Witwatersrand Human Research Ethics Committee (Medical) (M210157) on 26 February 2021.”

May combine two claims.

Being a mother in this context is not just a homemaking or nurturing role, but rather a role that requires an entrepreneurial spirit to provide for one's children, often without a partner or family support.

“In this sense, the data show that being a mother is not just a homemaking or nurturing role, as might be the case elsewhere, but rather a role that requires an entrepreneurial spirit to provide for one's children, often without a partner or family support.”

May combine two claims.

The demographic profile illustrates a relatively young, economically constrained group of Black African women, with diverse educational backgrounds and high dependence on state social protection mechanisms.

“Overall, the demographic profile illustrates a relatively young, economically constrained group of Black African women, with diverse educational backgrounds and high dependence on state social protection mechanisms.”

May combine two claims.

Lack of support not only takes an emotional toll on mothers but also carries an extra cognitive burden for women who now need to figure out and worry about childcare practices and dynamics.

“It appears that the lack of support not only takes an emotional toll on mothers but also carries an extra cognitive burden for women who now need to ‘figure out’ and worry about childcare practices and dynamics.”

May combine two claims.

Motherhood in Soweto is experienced as a prolonged and demanding transition shaped by emotional strain, economic pressure, a sense of sacrifice, and uneven social support.

“This study shows that motherhood in Soweto is experienced as a prolonged and demanding transition shaped by emotional strain, economic pressure, a sense of sacrifice, and uneven social support.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The experiences of the 60 Bukhali trial participants are representative of motherhood in Soweto more broadly.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Programmes that focus solely on clinical outcomes risk overlooking key drivers of maternal wellbeing, caregiving capacity, and long-term child outcomes, especially in highly unequal contexts.

“Programmes that focus solely on clinical outcomes risk overlooking key drivers of maternal wellbeing, caregiving capacity, and long-term child outcomes, especially in highly unequal contexts.”

May combine two claims.

Support is provided, and how it is provided, as well as which networks exist and which are created, becomes critical not just for the mother, but also for female relatives.

“Support is provided, and how it is provided, as well as which networks exist and which are created, becomes critical not just for the mother, but also for female relatives.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Literature on South Africans' attitudes to science and technology notes some degree of scepticism.

“This is a noteworthy finding given that literature on South Africans’ attitudes to science and technology notes some degree of scepticism (69).”

• cites [69] Hannan, 2025Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

The nonlinear nature of emotional adjustment observed in this study echoes that reported by Shloim et al. (2020) and supports Kruger's (2020) argument that maternal identity develops gradually through experience.

“The nonlinear nature of emotional adjustment observed in this study echoes that reported by Shloim et al. (2020) and supports Kruger's (2020) argument that maternal identity develops gradually through experience.”

• cites Shloim et al. (2020)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Kruger's (2020)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

To our knowledge, this is the first sustained, longitudinal engagement on maternal subjectivity in the context of Soweto.

“To our knowledge, this is the first sustained, longitudinal engagement on maternal subjectivity in the context of Soweto.”