Date of Submission

2026

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Stephanie Felgoise, PhD, ABPP

First Advisor

Alexa Bonacquisti, PhD, PMH-C

Second Advisor

Megan Amatrudo, PsyD

Third Advisor

Nicole Stewart, PsyD

Abstract

The present study explored the psychological experiences of non-birthing mothers in queer cisgender female relationships, a population that remains underrepresented in the parenting literature. Existing research has focused primarily on birthing mothers or same-sex couples as a unit, leaving the unique perspectives of non-birthing mothers insufficiently examined. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, eight non-birthing mothers participated in semi-structured interviews examining their transition to parenthood, maternal identity development, and experiences within relational, social, and systemic contexts. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, resulting in five primary themes: pathways to parenthood and conception decision making; constructing maternal identity; bonding and attachment processes; parenting roles and division of labor; and navigating legitimacy, systems, and social recognition. Findings suggested that non-birthing mothers experience motherhood as a meaningful and intentional identity grounded in caregiving, emotional connection, and relational engagement rather than biological ties. Participants also described challenges related to social recognition, legal legitimacy, and navigating heteronormative assumptions within health care, family systems, and broader social contexts. These findings contribute to the literature on queer parenthood by centering the experiences of non-birthing mothers and highlighting the need for inclusive clinical, legal, and social frameworks that validate diverse family structures.

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