Research launched on pregnancy and business

Dr Julia Rouse, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Enterprise, is conducting a research project on how self-employed women or women in business cope with pregnancy and the maternity period.

The findings will be important in getting Government support for pregnant women, especially regarding their rights and how to manage a successful business. “As a new mum myself, I know what it’s like juggling everything around a baby,” says Julia. “I’m hoping to talk to 20 women who are self-employed or in business and pregnant, and ask them how they are managing.”

The interviews will take place in 3 stages - during pregnancy, within 3 months of giving birth, and 6-9 months after the birth.

Julia adds: “I’ll be able to see how new mums plan to cope, and how their strategies work out or have to be amended. I’m keen to talk to anyone who is pregnant whatever their work, whether ironing and cleaning, running an office, working on your own, with partners or in a family business.”

To take part in the research or find out more, contact Julia on 0161 247 6010 or at j.rouse@mmu.ac.uk