LAUSR

The aim of this study was to identify cognitive acrobatics performed by French women during late pregnancy (n = 139) to reconcile intensive mothering ideology (IMI) and work involvement. A hierarchical cluster analysis (Ward method, squared Euclidian distance) was performed to define different patterns. Thus, four clusters were retained: (1) women devoted to IMI (27%), (2) women devoted to IMI and worried about the consequences of maternal work for children (13%), (3) women not devoted to IMI (35%), (4) women not devoted to IMI and disengaged from work (25%). They exhibited differences regarding socio-demographic and psychological variables. Mainly, women devoted to IMI and worried about the consequences of maternal work for children (Cluster 2) showed more depressive symptoms (38.9%) and preoccupied attachment. They were also planning to go back to work later (50%) and not to breastfeed (39%) even if they had a highly positive attitude about breastfeeding (67%). These results are discussed in terms of socio-psychological resources and requirements regarding perinatal adjustment. Considering women’s values and beliefs is crucial to understand better how mothering and employment demands are experienced.