Feeling ambivalent about maternal role: lived experiences of faculty members of universities of medical sciences in Iran during motherhood: a phenomenological study

Background Motherhood is a key role for women in Iranian society and globally. Recent changes in attitudes, education, and job opportunities have altered motherhood for some women. This study explores the experiences of female faculty members at University of Medical Sciences in 2023 in Iran regarding their maternal role. Methods The present study was a descrptive phenomenological study using Max van Manen's methods. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 7 participants who were selected from nursing, medical, and paramedical schools through purposive sampling. To enrich the data, maximum diversity was used in terms of specialization, employment history and type, nativeness, number of children, and duration of marriage, and data collection and analysis were performed simultaneously based on Colaizzi’ phenomenological methods. Lincoln and Guba's criteria ensured accuracy and trustworthiness. Results The results of the present study showed that lived experiences of faculty members of medical sciences universities in Iran during motherhood included 7 themes of pregnancy syndrome, mental crisis, adjusted role, insufficient support, wrong policy making, extremism imposition and false traditionalism imposition. Conclusions According to the results, the government policy makers should comprehensively examine the conditions of this educated class and take steps to solve their problems to encourage childbearing and young population. Trial registration number: Not applicable