Introduction: Motherhood is a significant life transition for a woman. During this time, she assumes a new role – the role of a mother. Her occupational balance, priorities, routines, and roles undergo changes. Young student mothers are defined as mothers under the age of 25 who are actively pursuing their education. Balancing the roles of student and mother is typically a very challenging task. Education takes on new value for these mothers, as their children can serve as a motivating factor for completing their studies. Occupational therapy can play a vital role during motherhood by supporting mothers in performing their new roles and maintaining occupational balance. Purpose: The purpose of the diploma thesis is to examine changes in occupations, occupational balance, and life roles of young student mothers before and after the birth of a child. Method: A qualitative research method was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Participants included young mothers aged 18 to 25 who were actively pursuing their education and had children up to five years of age. The interviews were transcribed and subjected to qualitative content analysis. Results: Analysis of the interviews led to the identification of three themes: the (un)supportive environment, life roles and leisure time, and areas of the mothers' daily functioning. All these areas are crucial for maintaining occupational balance and effectively fulfilling roles. The findings revealed a clear difference in the participants' occupational balance and roles before and after the birth of their children. The most significant changes were observed in the participants' roles as partners and friends, as well as in their leisure activities and learning. Discussion and conclusion: The study revealed that the greatest changes in occupational balance occured during the first year of the child's life. Participants gave up hobbies and roles due to the demands of childcare. After the child's first year, the participants achieved better occupational balance and resumed roles they had held previously, although they performed these roles and activities in a more adapted manner than before the child's birth. With support from their environment, the participants found it easier to maintain occupational balance and engage in leisure activities. They described the role of a mother as demanding yet rewarding, noting that it evolves as the child grows.
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