This presentation results from the project ABRIL MATER: Motherhood and Childbirth before and after the Revolution – a research that seeks to understand the impact of the social and political transformations catalyzed by the Revolution of 1974 on the representations and experiences of motherhood in Portugal. A distinctive feature of this research lies in the historically rich and complex period it addresses, offering a unique opportunity to understand women's perceptions and experiences related to motherhood during this specific juncture. Furthermore, the project comprehensively examines the evolution of healthcare and public policies related to motherhood in Portugal during and after the April Revolution, drawing on testimonies from women who became mothers and raised their children during that period. In this presentation we will share particularities of the ongoing fieldwork, highlighting the serendipitous nature of our empirical research, which encompasses, in addition to the collection of testimonies, a diversity of archival resources, including personal records, public archives, audiovisual materials and press documentation. Finally, this presentation will already offer a snapshot of the preliminary findings of our project, highlighting the adaptability and resilience of maternal perspectives during times of significant social transformation, such as those that preceded and followed the 25th April Revolution.

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Sociology,Motherhood,25th April Revolution,Narratives,Fieldwork,Portugal.