The Guardian
·Jul 2026
Amid the social and political panic about falling birthrates, why not ask new mothers what they think?
Political leaders are responding to falling birthrates with exhortations to have more children, birth bonuses, medals and expanded IVF, but these approaches largely ignore mothers’ lived experiences. A new Theos report finds that many mothers feel undervalued and invisible, while childcare is frequently stressful or overwhelming and expectations to work, manage households and raise children persist. Mothers also report exhaustion, anxiety, stigma around discussing difficulties, maternity discrimination and inconsistent postnatal care. The article argues for better maternity pay, stronger social support, improved hospital and six-week postnatal checks, and greater recognition of pregnancy, birth and caregiving rather than token incentives to increase fertility.