Exploring the perceptions and experiences of working mothers at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences regarding the challenges ahead in returning to work after the birth of a child in 2024

Introduction: The study aimed at understanding the experiences of first-time mothers who returned to work after paid maternity leave. Working women are facing numerous intra- extra-occupational challenges in the field of having children, which increases the conflict between family and work. In most cases working women have the three roles of wife, mother, and job at the same time. There is a possibility that by focusing on the requirements of one role, they will put the fulfillment of the expectations of other roles on the sidelines, or will be satisfied with fulfilling positive expectations. Methods : Using the qualitative approach of content analysis, the challenges faced by nurses working in Shiraz Medical Sciences in returning to work after maternity leave were explained. There were 17 participants in this study. Sampling was first purposeful and then continued with snowball sampling. Data collection was done using in-depth interview based on semi-structured interview guide. Data analysis was done using content analysis. Results: In the analysis of the content, 56 codes were extracted, which turned into 25 codes in the data integration, which were explained in 5 subcategories and 2 main categories. The two main categories: working mothers' understanding of maternal role conflict and working mothers' understanding of the mother-friendly job field. Discussion: For women, it is very important to facilitate women's access to employment in friendly environment, as it leads to economic empowerment, increasing the quality of family life, improving the physical and mental health of mothers, better growth and development of children.