Mothers who work full time, by the age of 40, are mentally and physically healthier than stay at home moms, or frequently unemployed moms. This is according to a recent study by Adrianne Frech and Sarah Damaske, presented last week at the Annual Meeting of the American Sociological Association in Denver, Colorado. Their work reveals that after childbirth, women who go back to work sooner, and are able to continue at that job, experience better energy levels, less depression, and more mobility over all.
The study, which involved data from 2,540 women who became mothers between 1978 and 1995, also reveals the health risks non-working mothers face. Among stay at home mothers, the biggest risk factor is social isolation and being financially dependent on someone else. While mothers who are often between jobs (not of their own choosing) there is the stress of losing a job, getting a job, and then losing a job. These ups and downs are cited as having a negative overall impact on health.
Interestingly, the researchers conclude that full time work, above all other types, is the most beneficial to a mother’s personal health. They also highlight the importance of making “good decisions” before childbirth, which will help afterwards. As Frech explains, “Examples of good choices could be delaying your first birth until you’re married and done with your education, or not waiting a long time before returning to the workforce.”
Source: Medical News Today
Photo: Victor1558 / flickr
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