Moms in Academia: Striking the Balance of Mothering and Mentoring

The present chapter provides an overview of the unique experiences that a mother may face while navigating a career in academia, and the unique experiences that an academic may face while navigating a role as a mother. Starting with a case study/vignette, this chapter then moves into an overview of current literature and research related to gender barriers and biases, along with considerations for work-life balance among women with a focus on mothers in academia. The importance of supporting mothers in academia, and academics in their role as a mother are presented herein. Challenges faced by this group are also detailed, while further providing an overview of strategies for success at both the individual and the policy levels.