New and expectant mothers

New and expectant mothers at work

In the context of this article, new and expectant mothers are defined as workers who are pregnant or who have given birth within the previous 6 months, or are breastfeeding. New and expectant mothers perform a vital role in society and in many work organisations. Being pregnant and giving birth causes physiological and emotional changes that may or may not interfere with a woman’s ability to perform her work duties in the usual manner. Furthermore, some work activities/processes may actually put the mother and/or her baby at risk of harm. It is an employer’s responsibility to systematically identify hazards associated with his/her…