A Phenomenological Study of the Continuation of Self-Realization in Women who Have Experienced Childbirth and Parenting

This study focuses on women's self-realization in pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting. This study was conducted according to Giorgi’s phenomenological qualitative research method. This study collected data based on in-depth interviews on self-realization experiences of eight women who are continuing to work or study. As a result of analyzing the essential meaning of self-realization experienced by women, 4 essential themes, 19 themes, and 72 central meanings were derived. The four essential themes are ‘enduring the situation’, ‘confident me’, ‘being myself’, and ‘life balance’. In this study, adult women want to do their best in their current roles through activities such as work or study, feel satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment, and continuously learn and grow little by little. Women strive to maintain their own unique identity in addition to their role as mothers. This study discusses pastoral care for women based on an analysis of their experiences of self-actualization.