Gender, Having Young Children, and Contexts of Unfair Treatment Within the First 2 Years After Birth

To examine the frequency of unfair treatment based on gender in various contexts, descriptive experiences of it, and its association with postpartum health.

Cross-sectional survey with closed- and open-ended responses.

Online research panel in the United States.

Participants included 86 survey respondents who were 6 to 30 months postpartum. Respondents' mean age was 32.6 years (SD = 5.5 years); 98.8% identified as women; and 69% were White and 31% were Black, Hispanic, or other racial/ethnic identities.

Survey items included demographic characteristics, the frequency of unfair treatment, contexts in which such treatment occurred (e.g., workplace, health care, relationships), ratings of physical and mental health, and respondents' open-ended descriptions of unfair treatment experiences. Analyses included descriptive and inferential statistics and content analysis.

The highest ranked context of unfair treatment based on gender or having young children was the workplace, for example, being denied work opportunities and being judged as less competent based on gender. Although some partners held rigid gendered attitudes, it was unfair treatment in the context of the family (e.g., sexist treatment) or health care visits (e.g., dismissal of symptoms) that were associated with poorer health ratings (p < .01). Friendships was a context where respondents reported exclusion because of having young children.

Unfair treatment occurred in a wide range of postpartum contexts, and in some contexts, such as health care visits, it was associated with poorer mental and physical health. The findings support the importance of fostering a culture of respectful postpartum care and of linking those who face support challenges to additional resources.