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The aim with the thesis was to examine same-sex mothers experiences of forming a family, pregnancy, parenthood and parental support from professionals in antenatal and child health care. An additional purpose was to explore professionals' experiences of meeting and supporting families with two mothers.

The results are based on four articles (three studies). The project started with exploratory semi-structured interviews (n = 20) with mothers in same-sex relationships who had children with the help of assisted reproduction at a Swedish clinic. Thereafter, a web survey was designed based on the results from the first sub-study. The survey, as well as a survey on perceived parenting stress (SPSQ), was answered by 146 mothers in same-sex relationships. Finally, focus groups were held with professionals (n = 13) in antenatal and child health care with experience of meeting and supporting families with two mothers.

The results showed that the mothers in same-sex relationships experienced the process of forming a family as a stressful journey in a heteronormative world, and that they lacked psychological / emotional support (Articles I, III). The results also showed that the mothers strived for equal parenthood and that they lacked professional support (Articles II, III).

Furthermore, the results showed that the non-birth mother experienced a lower degree of acknowledgement from antenatal and child health care than the mother who gave birth, and a lower degree of support from antenatal care but no difference in the experience of support from child health care. The mothers also experienced a low degree of parenting stress (Article III).

Professionals strived for an open approach in meeting new parents. They met well-prepared mothers who planned for equal parenting. Professionals expressed that they either gave equal support to all parents, or that they provided tailored support to same-sex mothers (Article IV).

The thesis contributes with an in-depth understanding and increased knowledge about mothers in same-sex relationships' experience of family formation as well as their experience of treatment and support from professionals in antenatal and child health care. Furthermore, it also shows professionals' experiences of meeting and supporting families with two mothers.