NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - A new analysis of labor statistics shows that stay-at-home moms may be getting more than just Mother's Day gifts this year. They may be getting new jobs.

Nearly three-fifths of the 1.9 million people reentering the workforce in 2005 were women, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Special Reportfull coverage Fewer jobs for unemployed workers Unemployment claims rise Half of workers unhappy in their jobs Unemployment claims stuck above 400,000 State, local layoffs to hit record levels

"Many women see their post-graduation aspirations put on hold to raise a family," said John A. Challenger, CEO of outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas, in a statement. "Unfortunately, when they are ready to return to the workplace, some find the obstacles difficult to overcome."

"One-time stay-at-home mothers have to convince hiring authorities that they will be good additions to the payroll despite their long absence from the workplace."

He also said that women made up a growing majority of people receiving bachelor's and master's degrees, which would make them more attractive to employers. There were 229,000 more women than men earning bachelor's graduates this year, and that gap is expected to grow to 277,000 in 2013, according to Department of Education estimates.

Women constitute 58 percent of the 513,000 people earning master's degrees this year, and that's expected to grow to 60 percent by 2013.

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