Mum Love meets MP Laura Kyrke-Smith to build momentum for maternal identity and emotional support
We were delighted to meet with MP Laura Kyrke-Smith to introduce Mum Love and discuss our work supporting mothers through the identity changes that can come with pregnancy, birth and returning to work.
Laura responded with real enthusiasm and understanding. She described the work as “brilliant” and Mum Love as a “practical, tangible” way to make this important issue meaningful and accessible. She was particularly supportive of our focus on making the language around motherhood more relatable, inclusive and relevant to women from all backgrounds.
During the meeting, we shared the evidence behind Mum Love, including the growing recognition that many women experience role confusion, emotional strain and changes to their sense of identity during and after motherhood.
We explained how our emotional support packs are designed to provide both awareness and practical help, and outlined our ambition to make these resources available in as many places and formats as possible.
Laura agreed that there is an urgent need for more support around maternal mental health and identity change. She acknowledged the frustration many people face when trying to navigate the current system, and recognised that progress will need to happen both from the top down and the bottom up.
She encouraged us to continue engaging with MPs, NHS trusts, Integrated Care Boards and community partners, highlighting that meaningful change often happens when different parts of the system work together.
Laura also suggested that an event or roundtable in Parliament could be a powerful next step. She offered to help convene the right people, bring together key stakeholders and use parliamentary platforms to raise awareness of Mum Love’s work. She also recommended connecting with other MPs and organisations already active in this area, including those working across maternity, babies, family hubs and maternal mental health.
Importantly, Laura recognised the value of Mum Love’s wider mission: not only to support mothers, but also to shift the national conversation around motherhood, identity and emotional wellbeing.
We need a more relatable and inclusive way of talking about these issues — one that reaches communities, professionals and policymakers alike. Laura agreed that Mum Love has an important role to play in helping make that happen.
We left the meeting feeling energised and hopeful. Laura’s support gives us a strong foundation as we continue building momentum, and we are now working together on the next steps.
