Muhammad, Nuraini Rajihah and Mohamad Diah, Nurazzura (2026) Invisible struggles: exploring the postpartum care burden of B40 working mothers in the Klang Valley. International Journal for Studies on Children, Women, Elderly and Disabled, 26 (March). pp. 179-187. E-ISSN 0128-309X
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Abstract
Postpartum carе is a crucial phasе in a mother’s life, marked by profound physiological, psychological, and social changes. For working mothers from the low-income (B40) group in urban settings such as the Klang Valley, this period is often filled with unmet needs and overlooked challenges. While existing studies acknowledge the importance of postpartum care, limited research has examined how structural and socio-economic barriers intersect to affect working mothers in urban Malaysia, particularly how B40 women navigate postpartum recovery with constrained resources and inadequate workplace support. A qualitative research design was employed, using indepth interviews with selected B40 working mothers to capture their lived experiences. The findings revealed a complex interplay of physical, emotional, cultural, and economic factors that affect the quality of postpartum care received. Respondents reported experiencing persistent physical discomfort and emotional exhaustion, compounded by limited financial resources, lack of workplace support, and the weight of cultural expectations. Many were expected to return to work prematurely, without adequate rest or recovery, often while managing childcare with minimal assistance. In cases where postpartum needs were left unaddressed, prolonged emotional fatigue and psychological distress were reported by the respondents. These challenges, deeply rooted in gender roles and socio-economic inequalities, demonstrate that postpartum care must be viewed not only as a health concern but also as an issue of equity and social justice. Addressing these intersecting factors is essential to improving maternal well-being and promoting targeted interventions such as postnatal mental health support, workplace accommodations, and accessible recovery services for low-income mothers.
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