November 19, 2025
By: Erika Casamalhuapa
The journey to motherhood is a significant transition in life for most women. From experiencing a changing body to caring for a new child, motherhood is a unique experience which requires a period of learning and creates a need for support. In a society that often devalues the role of motherhood, it’s more important than ever for women to know how and where to find the help they need. This is especially true when the stress of parenting, combined with a society that places value on Individualism, leaves mother’s feeling exhausted and unfulfilled.
Recently I saw two Reddit threads where women shared different perspectives on motherhood. The first had comments from women who expressed their love for being a mother, even though it was often difficult. Some felt fulfilled in this role, saying they felt profoundly happy and complete. The second thread was women sharing how they felt judgment and lack of support. All the women felt that no matter what they chose, it was never good enough.
I remember mixed feelings as a young mother. Everything was new, and although I felt loved and supported, at times I still felt overwhelmed. There are many factors that vary and contribute to an individuals experience. A mother might work, stay home, or be a single parent. It is important to recognize that each mom will have her own unique experiences as well as circumstances. Every voice and experience matters when helping us understand a mother’s needs.
A study by Pew Research revealed that 83% of mothers said being a parent is enjoyable. Eight out of ten moms found parenting rewarding most or all the time. A total of 66% of mothers felt that being a parent was harder than they expected. This shows there is happiness associated with being a parent, even though it comes with challenges.
Of the women surveyed, those experiencing less support during pregnancy and raising young children had a greater risk for depression and anxiety. This means that regardless of the fulfillment associated with motherhood, there is still a need for support. Every mother deserves resources and means of acquiring the assistance she needs. There are many different sources that can uplift and sustain mothers during child-rearing years.
Female Networking
Women often share similar experiences when it comes to motherhood. Female networking with mothers, sisters, grandmothers, friends or neighbors often provide opportunities for women to relate to one another. Women can share encouraging words, provide service, or a listening ear. My sister has four adult daughters. As they experience pregnancy and raising their young children, they often taking turns watching each other’s children and use Facetime to connect in a beautiful dance of family support. It is beneficial when we create a wonderful system of love that fosters close connections.
Partner Support
A husband or partner who is engaged in parenting and the birth of their child is significant for a mother’s health. This includes caring about her health, preventing her from intense manual labor, and listening to her emotional concerns. A big stressor for a woman is if their partner does not want a child (through an unexpected pregnancy) or if there is a strained relationship. The National Father Initiative wrote an article showing a partner’s presence was reassuring during pregnancy. Women said their child’s father was their best source of support. Fathers make a difference!
Parents & In-Laws
Help provided by parents and in-laws plays a significant role in support. This help includes childcare, shopping, cooking, and chores. Three studies from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh show that women found their parental home a place where they could find additional care and security. Couples in China who received support from their families had better self-esteem and self-worth in addition to increased marital satisfaction. Healthier partners means better mental health for children which creates a ripple effect that goes from one generation to the next. Therefore, the way we support new parents truly matters.
Community
In many communities there are ways to find supportive social groups. As a military family, we moved back and forth across the United States as my children grew. We were fortunate to gain support in places we never expected. Having my children join sports teams, attend churches, and engage in school music programs created pathways for us to meet incredible people. These individuals not only supported my children but allowed us to build parent connections. Finding ways to participate in the community creates a network of support among families.
Helpful Resources
Another way to get additional help is to find local resources. For example, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program) gives nutrition education and helps new mothers with breastfeeding. The Healthy Start program offers education for health and nutrition for infants and mothers. You can look on hospital websites or contact your insurance for prenatal, cooking, and health classes.
Key Takeaways
When a woman feels loved and supported during parenting years, it improves her health and the wellbeing of her children. We cannot underestimate the power of family support. When critical comments in social settings make mothers feel judged and alone, they can combat these challenges by looking to their communities and families for support. It is critical we invest in mothers who play a crucial role in raising the next generation. It will help establish healthy, thriving societies where everyone benefits.
Erika is a senior at Brigham Young University-Idaho, majoring in Marriage and Family Studies, and will graduate in December 2025. She lives in Hampstead, North Carolina, with her husband and three children. She is passionate about strengthening families and fostering healthy relationships. In her free time, she enjoys long walks, singing, playing volleyball, trying new foods, and spending time with friends and family.