Not Just You
The inaugural Mum Love report, presented to 10 Downing Street on February 24 2026 indicates that the majority of new mothers experience profound internal upheaval as they adjust to life with a newborn.
Motherhood changes a person, but there is little support or acknowledgement for this profound transition. The survey of 1,050 UK mothers conducted in February 2026 in partnership with YouGov, found that over half of respondents (55%) described feeling a loss of identity, whilst a notable 78% said they were confused or uncertain about their role after birth.
And the data shows that overwhelm is the norm rather than the exception. Eighty-two per cent (82%) of mothers said they felt overwhelmed in early motherhood, while 68% reported heightened levels of anxiety. The effects extend beyond emotional adjustment. Fifty-two per cent (52%) say their career direction declined after becoming a mother whilst almost half, 48%, experienced strain in their relationship with their partner.
A changed sense of self, a diminished professional life, a changed body - all fundamental shifts - but where is the support, or even understanding? Together, the Mum Love data suggests that the transition into motherhood reshapes a woman’s sense of role and direction at a critical life stage, yet this shift is rarely discussed openly or supported in a structured way. Mum Love is here to change that.
CALLING FOR CHANGE
Mum Love is a new UK foundation that aims to ensure that women navigating this transition do not feel alone.
Mum Love is calling for greater recognition of maternal role transition within early years policy and maternal mental health support. Through its digital platform and community initiatives, Mum Love will:
• Share lived maternal experiences alongside expert insight
• Provide practical tools to help mothers rebuild confidence and reconnect with their sense of self
• Offer therapist-led and expert-informed guidance during early parenthood
• Host community circles to foster peer connection
• Advocate for greater cultural and policy recognition of maternal role transition
Mum Love is calling for the transition into motherhood to be recognised as a significant life shift that requires structured support, not silent endurance.
Share your story with us. Be part of the change for mums and families.