Navigating motherhood: Mental Health and Work Life of Mothers with increased childcare burden

Parenthood significantly affects life, especially for those raising children with special needs. International studies show that these mothers are more prone to stress, depression, insomnia, and poor health. The aim of this study was to investigate how increased childcare burden, resulting from having children with chronic illnesses, learning, and/or behavioural difficulties, affects mental health and work lives of mothers within a Danish welfare setting.

Despite Denmark’s welfare support, having children with chronic illnesses, behavioural and/or learning difficulties is associated with poorer maternal mental health and work-life challenges. These findings highlight a vulnerable group and provide valuable insights for midwives in their approach to supporting affected families.