Working Mothers Research Articles

Gender and educational patterns in the demand and supply of grandparent childcare in Australia

AbstractGrandparents are an important source of childcare worldwide, but international patterns vary. We examine how demographic characteristics of parents, and of grandparents, factor into grandparent care provision considering the cultural assumptions and policy settings Australian families live within. Using the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey, we identify determinants of both the demand for and the supply of grandparent childcare in Australia (4266 grandparents and 9822 parents). Results suggest that grandmothers and mothers, as much or more than fathers and mothers, balance their reciprocal participation in employment and childcare. University‐educated grandmothers are more likely to provide regular childcare (at least once a week) and university‐educated mothers are more likely to draw upon it, inconsistent with research in other countries. It appears grandparents are stepping in as both “mother savers” and “system savers,” suggesting a need for more public policy support for Australian working mothers to capitalise on their increasingly high educational attainment.

The Effect of Maternal Attachment on Independence and Self-Confidence of 4-5 Years Old Children from the Aspect of Mother’s Occupation Status

This study was conducted to determine the effect of maternal attachment on independence and self-confidence of 4-5 years old children from the aspect of Mother’s Occupation Status. This research was quantitative research. The population and sample in this study were working and non-working mothers who had children aged 4-5 years in Kradenan Village, Grobogan Regency, totalling 92 people consisting of 27 working mothers and 65 non-working mothers. The sample collection technique in this study was a saturated sample, where all populations were used as research samples. The data analysis technique in this study used descriptive and regression statistical analysis using the SPSS 23 program. The results of this study found that maternal attachment affected the independence of 4-5 years old children; maternal attachment affected the self-confidence of 4-5 years old children; maternal attachment affected the children’s independence by controlling the status of mother’s occupation; maternal attachment affected children’s self-confidence by controlling the status of mother’s occupation. Keywords: Maternal Attachment, Children Independence, Children Self-confidence, Mother’s Occupation Status

Maternal employment characteristics as a structural social determinant of breastfeeding duration

Abstract Background The European Region exhibits the world’s lowest exclusive breastfeeding rate at 6 months. Addressing work-related breastfeeding challenges is crucial, particularly for women navigating precarious work situations, compounding their adversity. This scoping review surveys research on maternal employment characteristics facilitating breastfeeding continuation post-return to work in the European Region. Methods Studies from 2013 to 2023 were gathered from Scopus, PubMed, and PsycInfo. Inclusion criteria comprised English or French quantitative/qualitative studies exploring links between maternal employment characteristics and breastfeeding status, duration, or experience. Participants were employed mothers of healthy children sustaining breastfeeding post-resumption of work. Key determinants included work-related factors contributing to socially diverse working conditions, encompassing type of employment, working conditions, and work environment. Geographic scope included World Health Organization European Region countries. Results Among 693 hits, 13 studies met criteria. Eight focused on work and breastfeeding, others explored broader breastfeeding determinants. Represented countries: Spain (n = 4), France (n = 4), UK (n = 2), Ireland (n = 2), Netherlands (n = 1). Findings highlighted methodological heterogeneity, indicating a lack of conceptual framework linking work, breastfeeding, and social health inequalities. Nonetheless, self-employment, non-manual professions with time flexibility, workplace breastfeeding facilities, coworker support, and breastfeeding workplace policies emerged as pivotal factors supporting working mothers’ breastfeeding. Conclusions Backing breastfeeding choices for working mothers is crucial amid adversities faced by mothers and children. These results underscore the need for targeted workplace interventions, including time flexibility, breastfeeding facilities, and promotion of breastfeeding-friendly policies. Key messages • Self-employment, non-manual occupations, time flexibility, breastfeeding facilities, support of co-workers and breastfeeding workplace policies promote continuation of breastfeeding. • Policy directives targeting low skilled or precarious jobs are needed to reduce social health inequalities broadly, and in particular, in relation to breastfeeding practices.

Impact of Mother Employment on Children Socialization in District Mardan

This study explores the impact of maternal employment on child socialization in Mardan, Pakistan. Through purposive sampling, fourteen working mothers were interviewed, and thematic analysis revealed eleven key themes. The findings suggest that maternal employment reduces the quality of time spent with children, affecting communication, emotional closeness, and the development of independence and responsibility. Concerns were also noted about increased aggression, insecurity, and academic performance in children. The study emphasizes the need for family and employer support to help working mothers balance their responsibilities and highlights the broader societal benefits of women's workforce participation.

KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICES, AND CONSTRAINTS AMONG BREASTFEEDING EMPLOYEES TOWARDS IMPLEMENTATION OF LACTATION AREA

Breastfeeding empowers women and children and working mothers who revolutionize the workplace globally, specifically in carrying mutual roles as employees delivering quality service to humanity and mothers nurturing their children. This study explored the knowledge, practices, and constraints among breastfeeding working mothers in Region III, Philippines, towards implementing lactation areas. A mixed-methods approach combined a quantitative survey with a qualitative semi-structured interview component. Findings showed a high prevalence of breastfeeding among working mothers, coupled with a good level of knowledge about breastfeeding practices. However, constraints such as lack of lactation areas in offices, heavy workload, and limited support were revealed, thus foregrounding the need for institutionalized policies and guidelines to establish lactation areas in offices, promote breastfeeding, and support working mothers and their welfare, anchored on sustainable development goals (SDGs). By addressing these issues, workplaces position a more conducive environment for breastfeeding mothers, contributing to improved maternal and infant health outcomes. Further, this research provides valuable insights for policymakers, employers, and healthcare providers in initiating more effective strategies to support breastfeeding working women. Through the documented findings and by providing concrete recommendations for policy and infrastructure, this research advances the shaping of a more breastfeeding-friendly environment, promotion of maternal and infant health, supporting SDG 3-good health and well-being, and enhancement of workplace productivity towards achieving SDG 8-decent work and economic growth and SDG 5-gender equality.

Development of a breastfeeding support scale in the workplace and psychometric properties of Turkish version: a validity and reliability

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to develop a workplace breastfeeding support scale for working mothers and examine their psychometric properties. This methodological research was conducted between February and April 2022. This study included 325 mothers who continued breastfeeding while working. The tool development stages included item generation, expert review for content validity testing, and psychometric testing. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews between February and April 2022. In data analysis, for explanatory factor analysis, the direct oblimin technique and scree plot test were performed. Structural equation modeling was performed for confirmatory factor analysis. Two sub-dimensions (manager support, environmental support) and a nine-item workplace breastfeeding support scale showed good validity and reliability. The Cronbach’s alpha value of the total scale and sub-dimensions of the scale were greater than 0.70. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the model fit indices were acceptable (χ2 = 68.658, χ2/df = 2.64, CFI = 0.94, GFI = 0.96, AGFI = 0.92, and RMSEA = 0.07). The total variance explained by the scale was 54.32 percent. This newly developed 9-item and 2-dimensional version is a valid and reliable tool for measuring the working mothers’ perception of workplace breastfeeding support. This tool is recommended to be verified in other low, middle, and high-income countries.

Prevalence of the Unmet Needs and its Predictors among Working Mothers of Children with Epilepsy Attending Specialist Hospitals in Kelantan

INTRODUCTION: Unmet needs arise when everyday assistance is lacking. Epilepsy's unpredictability creates significant work-family conflict for working women, potentially leading to increased unmet needs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and the factors related with the unmet needs of working mothers with children with epilepsy (CWE) in Kelantan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A crosssectional study using the validated Malay version of the Family Needs Survey questionnaire was conducted among 204 working mothers aged 18 to 60 of CWE attending specialist hospitals in Kelantan. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: The highest unmet need was for community services (81.6%), followed by information (71.9%), social support (53.1%), financial (43.2%), explaining to others (28.9%), and family functioning (28.4%). Having follow-ups at tertiary hospitals reduced the unmet need score for information (B=-0.669, 95%CI=-1.276,0.081, p=0.021) and social support (B=-1.454, 95%CI=-2.225, -0.683, p=<0.001). Living in nuclear types of family reduced the unmet need score for community services (B=-0.669, 95%CI=-1.276,0.081, p=0.021) and information (B=-1.216, 95%CI=-1.965,-0.466, p=0.002). Working in the government sector increased the unmet need score for social support (B=0.437, 95% CI=0.062, 1.454, p=0.033). Full-time employment (B=-0.761, 95%CI=-1.244,-0.279, p=0.002) reduced the unmet need score for family functioning. Contract employment status (B=0.566, 95%CI=0.074,1.058, p=0.024) increased the unmet need score for family functioning. CONCLUSION: Mothers of CWE working in the government sector, under contract employment, and seeking follow-up care in secondary hospitals were related to higher unmet needs. The study findings may assist policymakers in introducing a child-friendly employment policy and flexible working arrangements among working parents of children with chronic illnesses such as epilepsy.

Food Hygiene Practices and the Risk of Diarrhea in Children of Working Mothers in Rural Bangladesh

Background: This study addresses the imperative role of maternal personal and household hygiene in safeguarding young children from diarrhea in rural Bangladesh. With young children facing heightened susceptibility to diarrhea during weaning, potential sources of contamination include traditional weaning foods, water quality, and utensil hygiene. This study aims to investigate the influence of maternal hygiene practices on the prevalence of diarrhea among young children in rural area of Khulna, Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural areas of Bangladesh from January to June 2023, focusing on under-five children and their working mothers. Results: The study revealed significant associations between hygiene practices and diarrhea prevalence. Proper hand washing by mothers before food preparation exhibited a protective effect (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.03 - 3.24). Ensuring utensil hygiene was correlated with lower diarrhea risk (OR: 11.29, 95% CI: 5.19 - 24.55). Moreover, consistent maternal hand washing after using the toilet (OR: 6.92, 95% CI: 3.08 - 15.55) and before feeding (OR:2.38, 95% CI: 1.17 - 4.82) significantly reduced diarrhea risk among children. Conclusion: The study underscores the critical role of maternal personal and household hygiene practices in preventing diarrhea among young children in rural Bangladesh. IAHS Medical Journal Volume 6(2) December 2023; 73-77

Balancing family and career for female physicians in Germany: insights from asurvey of female urologists

The shortage of skilled labor in medicine is one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare. The increasing number of women in medicine, particularly in the field of urology, raises questions about the compatibility of family and career, especially concerning the work environment and working time models. The aim of this study is to capture the impact of motherhood on the professional lives of female physicians and scientists in the field of urology in Germany. Specific challenges in this surgical specialty and the compatibility of family and career will be highlighted. The working group "Female Physicians and Scientists in Urology" of the German Society of Urology (DGU) surveyed its 1343female members regarding demographic data, professional status, and aspects of work-life balance. Among 487female urologists in Germany, 53.4% had children. Mothers tended to be older, less frequently in training, less often in inpatient settings, and less frequently engaged in surgical activities. Notably, the proportion of full-time working mothers (36.2%) was significantly lower compared to female urologists without children (92.4%). Among female urologists with children, 32.3% reported having changed their workplace because of their children, while 10.7% indicated that their responsibilities had changed at least once after pregnancy. Additionally, 76.9% of mothers had reduced their weekly working hours due to family commitments. Multivariate analysis showed an influence of motherhood on professional status and parttime work. The fact that starting afamily for women in urology in Germany is associated with areduction in working hours and the end of clinical careers suggests aneed for optimizing the compatibility of family and career in Germany. The increasing feminization of the medical profession exacerbates the existing shortage of skilled workers due to the exit of mothers from professional life. To meet the needs of working parents, particularly mothers, urgent adjustments in the work environment are necessary. Promoting flexible working time models and creating supportive conditions are crucial to preventing the loss of skilled professionals and maintaining job satisfaction in this field.

Validation of supervisor support scale and work-life balance checklist in Malay Language among Malaysian working mothers

Working mothers burdened with work and household responsibilities face challenges with work-life balance, which could be empowered through supervisor support in the workplace. Therefore, it is vital to identify the impact of supervisor support on working mothers’ work-life balance. However, available instruments to measure both constructs for the Malay-speaking Malaysian population are dearth. This study assessed the psychometric properties of the Malay version of the supervisor support scale (SS-Malay) and work-life balance checklist (WLB-Malay) and investigated the relationship between these variables among Malaysian working mothers. Using purposive sampling, 200 working mothers (M=38.80, SD=8.43) for the pilot study and 275 working mothers (M=38.33, SD=7.86) for the actual study completed either an online or printed survey consisting of demographic information, the supervisor support scale, and the work-life balance checklist. Exploratory factor analysis conducted on the pilot study data reported a two-factor structure for WLB-Malay and one factor for SS-Malay. Similarly, confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the unidimensional factor of SS-Malay, and two factors of WLB-Malay: concerned about work, and self. Reliability was established with alpha, omega, and composite reliability values of more than .70. Discriminant validity was established with correlation values of less than .90, and concurrent validity was established with significant moderation positive association between constructs. Structural equation modelling reported a satisfactory model fit for both scales and identified a positive impact of supervisor support on work-life balance among Malaysian working mothers. Accordingly, both WLB-Malay and SS-Malay are culturally fit for Malaysian working mothers.

Navigating positive and negative emotional feelings as working mothers: A qualitative study

Purpose: This study explores the complex emotional experiences of working mothers as they strive to balance their professional and family commitments. It aims to deeply understand both the positive and negative emotional experiences that characterize the life of a working mother. Method: Utilizing a qualitative approach, this research conducted semi-structured interviews with six working mothers. This method was chosen to capture a comprehensive range of emotional experiences stemming from their dual roles. Result: Findings from the interviews revealed three main themes: (1) identity and role as a working mother, namely the mother's perception and integration of professional and parental roles; (2) their emotional feelings as working mothers, findings detailing the spectrum of emotions they encountered; and (3) strategies for balancing emotional states, exploring methods used to manage and reduce emotional fluctuations and maintain balance. Conclusion: The findings underscore the necessity for enhanced support systems that can better assist working mothers in managing the multifaceted challenges of their dual roles. In the absence of adequate support, these challenges can lead to significant stress and a reduction in overall life satisfaction

Socio-demographic factors and mental health trajectories in Australian children and primary carers: Implications for policy and intervention using latent class analysis.

Children's mental health status (MHS) is frequently influenced by their primary carers (PCs), underscoring the significance of monitoring disparities longitudinally. This research investigated the association between socio-demographic clusters and mental health trajectories among children and their PCs over time. Data from waves 6-9c2 of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) were analyzed using Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to identify four socio-demographic classes among children aged 10-11 years at wave 6. Multinomial logistic regression and predictive marginal analysis explored associations between classes and mental health outcomes. PCs in Class 4 (disadvantaged and separated families with indigenous children) exhibited higher odds of borderline and abnormal MHS compared to Class 1 (prosperous and stable working families) across all waves. However, while MHS of PCs' impacted children consistently, the association with socio-demographic classes was significant only in wave 6. Class 4 children had elevated risks of mental illness compared to Class 1, while Class 3, characterized by educated working mothers, had lower risks. Reducing mental health risks entails addressing socio-economic disparities, supporting stable family structures, and offering tailored interventions like counseling and co-parenting support. Longitudinal monitoring and culturally sensitive approaches are crucial for promoting mental well-being across diverse groups.

Exclusive breastfeeding experience among healthcare working mothers in central Tanzania: A qualitative study

Background & Aim: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is essential for infant health, yet the global prevalence is below target. Tanzania is facing challenges in promoting EBF due to sociocultural and economic factors. Despite efforts, rates remained low, especially among working mothers. The experience of healthcare-working mothers in EBF is underexplored despite facing unique challenges like irregular schedules and workplace stressors. This study aims to explore healthcare-working women's experiences with EBF. Methods & Materials: This qualitative study involves fifteen participants from two referral hospitals in Tanzania. We employed semi-structured interviews to explore the significance of their lived experiences while keeping the interview on track. We sampled our participants using purposive and snowball sampling. The interviews were recorded using a digital audio recorder and transcribed verbatim. Then, thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Results: Participants shared insights into their EBF practices, highlighting the significance of breastfeeding knowledge and its benefits for mothers and children. Key themes identified were healthcare-working mothers' knowledge and practice of EBF, balancing EBF and work, and barriers to EBF while working. Mothers emphasized EBF's health and emotional benefits, noting strategies to ensure sufficient milk supply and challenges in maintaining EBF due to work demands, fatigue, and physiological discomforts. Support systems at home and workplace policies were crucial for facilitating EBF, yet the availability of alternative milk sometimes hindered sustained EBF. Conclusion: This research provides valuable insights into the experiences of healthcare-working mothers in EBF. The findings underscore the importance of promoting supportive environments, workplace policies, and social networks to facilitate exclusive breastfeeding continuation for working mothers.

A Comparative Analysis of Social Development in Preschool Children of Working and Non-Working Mothers

Background: Children's social development affects how they socialize with their surrounding environment, where some children have difficulty socializing and adjusting to the environment. The purpose of this study was to compare the social development of preschool-age children in working mothers and non-working mothers.Methods: This study used analytical observations with a cross-sectional design conducted by 113 mothers with preschool children aged 4-6. Data was collected using the DDST II questionnaire sheet specifically for aspects of personal social development. Results: The respondents were 20-35 years old (79.6%), almost half of the children were four years old (40.7%), and also half of the children were female (64.6%). Next, half of the mothers were working (75.3%), the nuclear family type (61.9%), and the social development of preschool children were mostly in the caution category, as much as 47.8%. There was a difference in the social development of children in working mothers and non-working mothers (p-value<0.05). Conclusion: It is expected that working mothers can manage their time, guide and supervise the development of their children, and provide independent trust and freedom to children so that they are not dependent on their parents to carry out age-appropriate developmental tasks.

Misrecognition and labor market inclusion of refugee mothers

AbstractOne lakh eighty five thousand refugees from Ukraine have started working in Poland since the Russian war began. Drawing on Bourdieusian concepts of capitals, misrecognition, habitus, and the field, the paper theorizes the subjective and objective terms of inclusion across intersectional interplay of motherhood, ethnicity, and refugee status. In particular, we explore how intersectional marginalized identities of individuals shape their negotiation power over terms of their labor market inclusion. Using qualitative interview data from 10 Ukrainian working mothers in Poland who became refugees following the Russian war in Ukraine in 2022, we demonstrate that misrecognition leads to uneven relations of power curtailing working refugee mothers' agency to negotiate the terms of their inclusion.

Challenges, experiences, and potential supports for East and Southeast Asian mothers in the workforce: a systematic review

ObjectiveTo examine the challenges faced by Asian working mothers with a focus on re-entry to the workplace. In addition, we highlight potential supports that retain women in the workforce.DesignA systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations and registered with PROSPERO database (CRD42022341130).MethodsThree independent reviewers were involved in the study selection to screen the search results sequentially by title, abstract, and full text using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodological quality of each article was assessed via the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool.ResultsWe analysed a total of 36 studies conducted across different regions: 30 from the East and 6 from Southeast Asia. Among these studies, 20 were quantitative in nature, 15 were qualitative, and one intervention. The 36 studies cover five themes: 1) policies, 2) external support sources, 3) external pressure, 4) breastfeeding and 5) health status. Within each theme the same factor can have a positive or negative impact on the mother depending on her having a pro-career or pro-family mindset.Companies can take various initiatives to support working mothers, such as providing facilities for expressing breast milk at the workplace, educating staff to promote breastfeeding and accommodate childcare needs, and extending maternity leaves. However, there is a lack of literature that directly addresses the barriers and concrete support available to working mothers in Asia, beyond the scope of breastfeeding.ConclusionsOur findings underscore several obstacles that can impede a woman's seamless return to work. Pro-family and pro-career mothers have differing needs that cannot be addressed at the same time. There is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding effective strategies or interventions that can support a positive reintegration into the workforce.

Policies that support working parents and gender health equity: needed research and methodological challenges.

In this issue of AJE, Platt et al (Am J Epidemiol. XXXX;XXX(XX):XXXX-XXXX) shed new light on the potential for supportive employment benefits, including family leave, flexible work hours, and employer provided or subsidized child-care to mitigate depression risk among full-time working mothers. The authors use a longitudinal study design and rigorous methods to carefully consider potential sources of bias, and, more broadly, their article underscores the importance of employment benefits as a social determinant of mental health for working mothers. In this commentary, we discuss some of the policy context surrounding employer benefits that support parenting, particularly around paid versus unpaid family leave laws and ordinances. We consider the ways in which the policy context impacts larger structural inequities and the potential implications for internal and external validity.

Valencian working mothers during lockdown. Discourses on family life in uncertain times

ABSTRACT Lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic brought about changes in both the labour market and in family arrangements, when care, work and personal life all took place at home. The main aim of this article is to analyse the impact of the pandemic on family life in Spain from the subjective perspective of women. We develop a topology of narrative configurations on work-life balance through 20 semi-structured interviews with heterosexual women with children or dependants in Valencia, Spain. The most significative idea that emanates from the women’s discourse is a kind of romanticisation of family-domestic space and time generated during the lockdown despite the uneven distribution of caregiving and household responsibilities during this timeframe.

“My child is my job now” – Care, work and careers of mothers with disabled children in the Norwegian welfare state

In this article, we investigate how mothers of disabled children in Norway experience the work–family conflict and its impact on their careers, highlighting the role of provision of health and welfare services. We use a qualitative multiple case study of 11 mothers with disabled children. Although Norway is characterized by high labor market participation for women and an emphasis on care policies that support working mothers, we show that mothers of disabled children still experience considerable work–family conflict, creating ill-health and income-related struggles. This conflict is heavily influenced by inadequate support from health and welfare services. However, some of the mothers also highlighted how caring for their disabled children led to growth and new career paths, using their care experiences to craft new careers. Drawing on Fraser's (2022) concept of the care crunch and a relational perspective on disability, we demonstrate how the social organization of care for disabled children undervalues the care work mothers do and puts disabled children at risk of receiving insufficient and unequal services.

Prevalence of Breastfeeding among Working versus Nonworking Mothers in Saudi Arabia: A Regional Cross-sectional Study

Background: Breastfeeding practices in Saudi Arabia may vary between working and non-working mothers. Working hours and work-related responsibilities may be obstacles to exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Objectives: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of breastfeeding among working versus non-working mothers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and to investigate barriers to EBF among working mothers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey-based study, in which 507 women were surveyed, predominantly aged 26–33 years. The data were collected through an online self-administered questionnaire sent randomly through social media. The Chi-squared test was employed to assess the prevalence and the factors influencing the choice of breastfeeding methods in these groups. Results: EBF rate was 82% and 85.5% in non-working and working mothers, respectively. Exclusively breastfeeding mothers favored direct breastfeeding (54%) and mostly breastfed for over 6 months of their infants’ age (92%), whereas non-EBF mothers favored a combination of milk pumps and direct breastfeeding (P ≤ 0.001). The majority of working mothers strongly agree with the continuation of breastfeeding for the first 6 months of the child’s life if the workplace provides special breastfeeding facilities, provides paid maternity leave, or if they get help with housework. Conclusion: There was no difference in the duration of breastfeeding in working mothers compared to nonworking mothers. Working mothers report many barriers to breastfeeding, and those strategies should be targeted by governmental programs to enhance EBF practices.