Mothers 'have too much pressure'

Nine in 10 mothers said there was too much pressure

Most mothers say there is too much pressure to be the perfect parent, a survey says.

The poll of 514 mothers, commissioned by contraceptive manufacturers Schering, found nine in 10 felt under almost constant pressure.

They blamed bodies such as the media, government and even education campaigns by charities for the situation.

But, despite the strain, 80% said they were confident about the job they were doing.

More than half said they spend more quality time with their children than their own parents did with them.

When it comes to giving birth and bringing up children, what mothers often say is that they want access to good quality, balanced advice Rosie Dodds, of the National Childbirth Trust

And nearly three-quarters said their children had more varied organised activities and interests, such as sport, music and dance, than they did when they were young.

However, the survey did reveal mothers had concerns about contraception.

Some 59% of those who felt their family was complete said their sex life was affected by concerns about the efficacy of their contraception.

Worry

But two-thirds of mothers had not talked to their GPs about contraceptive options in the last 12 months.

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."