Understanding the Post-Partum Transition to Work

When returning to work after giving birth, new mothers must navigate how to reengage with their work roles while simultaneously dealing with a host of physical, psychological, and lifestyle changes. Yet, research to date has yet to look beyond the formal organizational policies related to supporting mothers post-partum (e.g., maternity leave) and assess how coworkers at work engage in behaviors that can aid or hinder new mothers' transition back to work. The current study aims to understand the experiences of women returning to work after giving birth. In particular, we seek to explore how other coworkers support and engage with their post-partum transition, potentially becoming allies who advocate for those women during their transition back into work.