New mums say parenting is harder than ever due to lack of 'village' support

Women believe being a new mum is tougher now than it has ever been for any previous generation, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 mums reveals that 55% of women aged 25-44 believe the role is more challenging today than it was in the past.

Nearly half (49%) of mums feel they lack the close-knit community support that previous generations benefited from. Meanwhile, 42% of those with children aged 10 and under feel they don't have the backing their own mums once enjoyed, while 62% say they face fresh pressures, particularly those stemming from social media and their peers.

Almost eight in ten millennials say they struggle to juggle work and motherhood , compared to 43% of boomers who described their time as a mum as "easy" because they were able to stay at home and care for their children without holding down a job.

Overall, almost all (95%) mums report feeling they shoulder most of the mental and emotional responsibility of parenting.

Yet the majority of mums feel their partner or family don't notice the mental load they are carrying (59%) or that their own needs are treated as less important (49%).

In a bid to tackle this, Philips Avent, which commissioned the research, has launched 'A Mum is Born', a new campaign urging family and friends to step up and support new mums without waiting to be asked.

Marci El-Deiry, spokesperson for the brand, said: "While we celebrate every first smile and milestone for the baby, we don't always recognise the person learning one of life's biggest new roles.

"As a mum raising my sons, I've learned that parenting isn't something you figure out overnight. What made the biggest difference wasn't having all the answers but having people who showed up.

"That's why this campaign and raising awareness of the need to share the care is so important, as I've heard my experience echoed in this research."

According to data from OnePoll.com, 38% of mums struggle to ask for help because they are too embarrassed to admit they are struggling, often believing they should be able to cope on their own.

But the research also finds 85% agree that small moments of acknowledgement would have a powerful impact on how they feel day to day.

When asked what these moments of acknowledgement would be, the top answers included reassurance they are doing a good job (37%), help with household chores (35%), and being checked in on as a person, not just as a mum (35%), as a third said they were overlooked after becoming a mum.

Modern mums also wanted continued support; offering to watch the baby so they can rest (39%) and checking in regularly beyond the first few weeks (38%).

To bring this message to life, Philips Avent has partnered with internationally renowned artist and mum Kelly Anna to create a mural now on display at Westfield White City London, which celebrates the moment a mum is born.