Leaving the child behind was not easy’: lived experiences of mothers returning to work after maternity leave in Ghana
Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Community, Work & Family
Abstract
This study explored the lived experiences of employed mothers
returning to work after maternity leave in the Ghanaian context.
Using a qualitative research approach, in-depth interviews were
conducted with 21 employed postpartum mothers who had
returned to work within one year after birth. Using
reflexive thematic analysis, four themes were generated that
speak to mothers’ experiences of returning to work after
maternity leave: setting the stage for work return, embracing the
emotions of work return, re-adapting to the workplace, and
impact on personal and family health. Mothers’ return to work
after maternity leave was preceded by extensive physical and
psychological preparations including childcare arrangements that
enhanced their readiness for paid work. Despite such
preparations, most mothers experienced their return to work as
emotionally challenging marked by feelings of sadness, guilt, and
frustration. Childbirth and return to work also negatively
impacted mothers’ work performance as well as their personal
and family wellbeing. Moreover, combining the increased
responsibilities associated with childbirth and work demands
emerged as a major source of stress for postpartum mothers.
These findings underscore the need for policies, organisational
practices, and comprehensive support structures that facilitate
mothers’ return to work after maternity leave.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Maternity leave, postpartum, mothers, return to work