Early employment after childbirth: A cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Maternity Survey in England

Abstract

BackgroundEarly participation in paid work after childbirth may have long-lasting health and socioeconomic impacts for women and their families, yet there has been little research on women's early postpartum employment behaviours in England since the 2000s. We investigated women's employment patterns within six months of childbirth and the factors that influence them. MethodsUsing data from a population-based national maternity survey in England in 2018, employment status at six months postpartum was assessed. Descriptive analysis was used to explore employment characteristics of women in paid work. Logistic regression was used to explore sociodemographic, pregnancy- and birth-related factors associated with postpartum employment status. FindingsOf the 4313 participants included, 7·7% were in paid work within six months of childbirth. The most frequently reported motivation for being in paid work was needing the money (76%), followed by wanting to work (41%). The median time for (re)entering paid work was 17 weeks (IQR 13–26 weeks) and the median weekly hours worked was 24 (IQR 12–36 hours). The childcare option most frequently reported was the baby's grandparent(s) (47·8%), followed by spouses/partners (44·5%). Maternal age ≥35 years (compared to 30–34 years) was positively associated with being in paid work within six months of childbirth (aOR: 1·37, 95% CI 1·02–1·84), while not living with a partner (aOR 0·50, 95% CI 0·28–0·90), and having a pre-term birth (aOR 0·38, 95% CI 0·20–0·69) were negatively associated with being in paid work within six months. InterpretationThe low prevalence of women in paid employment within six months of childbirth aligns with recent downward trends. Factors associated with early postpartum employment show mixed patterns, however, which may reflect variation in financial pressures and opportunities. Our findings may assist policymakers when evaluating current and future family-based policies such as amendments to state-funded childcare and paid parental leave allowance. FundingThis research is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Policy Research Programme, conducted through the Policy Research Unit in Maternal and Neonatal Health and Care, PR-PRU-1217-21202. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. GF is funded by a Clinical Research Fellowship awarded by the Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford.