Identity transition during pregnancy: The importance of role models

Abstract

This qualitative study reports on how pregnant women integrate their future maternal identity with their existing work-related identity. Twenty-four women were interviewed at three times during their pregnancy: during the first, second and third trimesters. A grounded theory approach was used to analyse the data and social learning theory was adopted as a theoretical framework to assist in interpreting the findings. The findings suggest that the availability or lack of realistic and attainable role models influences the degree to which the transition to motherhood during pregnancy was successful. When role models were readily available, the transition went well, but, when role models were absent, two less successful strategies were identified, leading to negative psychological outcomes. The study also stresses the importance of other contextual factors, such as the gender composition of organizations and the educational attainment of the individual pregnant women, in the way women perceive their transition to motherhood while working.

A multilevel perspective of the identity transition to motherhood

“…Day care is very expensive and being able to reduce it by one day a week while keeping my full‐time position would be really helpful. ( Interviewee 2, lawyer)The young mothers actively looked for role models, as they did during pregnancy (Hennekam, ). Those role models were mainly other working mothers in their organization.…”

“…However, when one encounters an important event or transition in life, the awareness of one's identity is highlighted (Alvesson & Willmott, ). Becoming a mother is a life‐changing event that can trigger an identity transition (Hennekam, ). Identity is transformed as women redefine their sense of self in the context of the sociocultural expectations of motherhood and professional work (Haynes, ).…”

“…Previous studies have shown that role models can help young mothers to show how others have dealt with similar issues (Sealy & Singh, ) and can as such be a source of information, encouragement and support (BarNir, Watsonm, & Hutchins, ) although it is not always positive (Durbin & Tomlinson, ). Hennekam () found that role models are important during pregnancy in the sense that when realistic role models were available their identity transition went well, but that when role models were not available this transition towards motherhood was less successful. We expect that role models are not only important during pregnancy but likely also play a role during the period when the new mothers return to work.…”

“…This is an important transition as it is likely to influence how women define themselves and how their careers unfold. Some studies have looked at women's identity transition during pregnancy (Hennekam, ; Ladge, Clair, & Greenberg, ) but few have focused on their re‐entry into employment after maternity leave (see, for an exception, Ladge & Greenberg, ). We argue that both the birth of the child as well as the re‐entry period are crucial moments for working women.…”

Retaining professionally employed new mothers: The importance of maternal confidence and workplace support to their intent to stay

“…Some women feel pressure not to talk about their new baby or motherhood at work (Gatrell, ) and perceive biases and disapproval from their organization, which triggers insecurities about their roles as mothers and professionals (Ladge & Greenberg, ). Research suggests that feelings of insecurity as a parent and questions about one's identity begin during pregnancy (Hennekam, ; Ladge, Clair, & Greenberg, ; Little, Major, Hinojosa, & Nelson, ) and intensify through maternity leave and reentry (Buzzanell et al, ; Ladge & Greenberg, ), suggesting that a new mother's ability to gain confidence in her parenting role may be a key factor in her decision to leave or stay with her organization. As they return to work and start to navigate their career as a working mother, they may therefore begin to ask themselves, “Am I a good mother?” This question reflects a mother's maternal confidence, which we define as a mother's perception of her ability to care for and meet the needs of her child.…”