News

26th April 2004

21st century mothers 'under constant pressure'

A survey by contraceptive manufacturers Schering has found that most mothers are under constant pressure to be the perfect parent.

The poll of 514 mothers showed that nine out of ten felt under constant pressure due to media, government and even educational charity campaigns.

However, despite the pressure, more than half said they spent more quality time with their children than their parents did.

And 80 per cent said they were confident about the job they were doing.

Seventy-five per cent also said their children led more varied and active lives than they did, including interests such as sport, dance and music.

However, the survey also revealed that many mothers have real concerns about contraception.

Nearly two thirds of mothers who felt their famiy was complete said their sex life was affected by concerns about the efficacy of their contraception.

Despite this, most had not sought advice from their GP in the last 12 months about contraceptive options.

Dr Annie Evans, of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said it was important women sought advice about contraception.

"It worries me that women across the UK are risking their happiness and potentially their health by not sorting out their long-term contraceptive needs once they've decided their family is complete."

Rosie Dodds, policy research officer at the National Childbirth Trust, said one of the problems was that women were not always given the full range of options.

She also agreed there was too much pressure on the 21st century mother.

"There is so much information and pressure through the media and the internet. We are bombarded with pictures and stories about how celebrities have lost weight after giving birth.

"When it comes to giving birth and bringing up children, what mothers often say is that they want access to good quality, balanced advice.

"Women have to do the detective work themselves and the problem with that is that it creates health inequalities."

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