The landmark national Listening to Mothers survey captures the views and experiences of those who care most about maternity issues: mothers themselves. The Listening to Mothers research makes clear that the United States is failing to support moms during pregnancy and early parenthood.
In admiration and appreciation of moms everywhere, we have collected reflections from other mothers and advocates celebrating the many ways that mothers show up with strength and love for themselves, their children, their families, and their communities.
To the Moms Who Wonder if They’re Doing Enough
Moms, you deserve the world. You are shaping our communities and our next generation, and you are carrying the weight, physically and emotionally, to raise beautiful human beings. You deserve the world, and I want to say: one, you’re doing amazing; two, we’re building this village ourselves; and three, lean on your community, lean on your loved ones, and fight for what you need, want, and deserve, unapologetically.
– Jesse M.
To the Moms Learning as They Go
Dear Mama, you got this. Motherhood can be a beautiful, wild ride all at the same time, but you’re not alone. I encourage you to ask for help when you need it, reach out to folks, know that it’s not always easy, but you’re not alone.
– Mashariki K.
To the Moms Who are Expecting
I wish for all mothers to have a happy, healthy, safe pregnancy, journey, and birth that is full of autonomy… I wish that all mothers feel heard, feel seen, feel loved, and also feel empowered.
– Tiwani O.
To the Moms Raising Children to Fight for Justice
You deserve a world that supports not only you and your growing family, but also your freedom to decide when you want to become a mom. I fight for reproductive health rights and justice because…I’m the product of a strong, incredible woman, my mom, who built in me the belief that I can do anything, because that’s what moms do.
– Rosann M.
To the Moms Who Keep Going
I want to thank all the moms out there who continue to do the hard work of raising their children while also finding joy in the process. It is not easy to raise children these days when you’re also working against so many systems that make it that much more difficult, especially for our moms of color. I see you, and I appreciate you.
– Amani E.
To the Moms Who are Rediscovering Themselves
I’d like to say that birth is the revolution, and if we revolt, that is to rise up against the status quo and shift how we think about pregnancy, conception, birth, and postpartum, we can literally change the vibration of our communities. Mama, you got this. You were born for this…You are a giver of life. Birth will change you. You have to decide how you want it to change you… I want you to be changed from a place of empowerment, of love, of joy.
– Nicole D.
To the Moms Who are Ready to Take Action
I believe in the importance of really ensuring that mothers have not only culturally competent care but also communal care. We have to work cohesively together to ensure that we’re creating a space and new norm where [all] mothers can be seen and heard…So we have to work with our legislators to ensure we create and advocate for policies that reflect the lived experiences that we face. We have to [show] up for our community through meal trains, through different events, to ensure that people are getting the resources they need.
– Alicia B.
To the Moms Who Participated in the Listening to Mothers Survey
We are deeply indebted to the mothers across the country who participated in the lengthy two-part survey while caring for at least one infant or toddler and meeting the demands of work, family, and daily life. This report would not exist without your willingness to trust us with your stories. We are committed to sharing the survey results with you and honoring your contributions in our work to advance policies and practices that improve the lives of women and families.
– Listening to Mothers’ Team
The National Partnership is continuing to listen to mothers, and we want to hear from you. Use this form to share your story – the good, the bad, the ugly, the joy – about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences.