Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to understand the complicated relationship between women’s identities as working women and as mothers through the first-hand reflections of mothers who had voluntarily decided to leave work after giving birth.
Method: Narrative analysis, a qualitative design was used. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 women.
Results: Getting used to the dynamics of home after a fast-paced working life, evolution of one’s expectations about life, the pursuit of being a “good” mother, child-related ideals, self-esteem, and relationships with family and friends were the primary themes uncovered.
Conclusion: The women’s high levels of education and training, in combination with some of their beliefs, may, sometimes paradoxically, prevent them from seeking help when needed. As an extension of their previous identity, these mothers tended to view their babies subconsciously as a “project,” and symbolic reflections of this perception were represented in their language. Perfectionist ideals and disposing of comprehensive information about child rearing may alter the natural notion of motherhood in these educated women. Therefore, these cases should be addressed not only from the perspective of women’s wellbeing but also from that of their children’s mental development, as these women’s life decisions significantly affect their performance as mothers.

Key words: Motherhood, parenting, Turkish working women