Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected the lives of people across the globe. Apart from being socially cut off, it brought changes resulting in disruption of routine. Undeniably, it took a toll most especially on working women who experienced their first childbirth at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence it is imperative to assess and analyze the challenges faced by working ‘first-time’ mothers during these trying times. This descriptive narrative research delves not only into the challenges encountered by working ‘first-time’ mothers, but also the coping strategies they imply in relation to these challenges. Majority of the mothers consider their physical, financial and emotional conditions as the major challenges during pregnancy and even after child birth. However, results showed that these challenges indirectly affected their work productivity particularly during pregnancy. On the other hand, open communication, time management, and support from families are the most common coping strategies that helped them overcome the challenges. Discriminating policies in relation to employment status is one of the issues raised in terms of maternal benefits. With an average grand mean of 4.13, working first-time mothers agree that they received relevant post natal support. Consequently, it is proposed that more policies supporting working mothers regardless of employment status be created.
Presenters
Ria Dela MercedAssistant Professor, Social Sciences, Bulacan State University, Bulacan, Philippines
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2024 Special Focus—Health for Democracy, Democracy for Health
KEYWORDS
PANDEMIC, CHALLENGES, COPING STRATEGIES, FIRST-TIME MOTHERS
