New foundation, Mum Love, launches to address the hidden transition affecting mothers nationwide marked by a visit to No.10 Downing Street yesterday.
London, UK. 25th February, 2026 – Recent research reveals that an alarming 78% of UK mothers experience some form of role confusion after giving birth, according to major nationally representative research released today by Mum Love.
The findings highlight a widespread yet under-recognised transition with significant implications for women’s mental health, careers, and relationships.
Founder Georgie Woollams presented the landmark survey results at No.10 Downing Street yesterday, Tuesday, 24 February, advocating for greater recognition of maternal role transition within early years policy and maternal mental health support.
The report was met with positive reactions from government representatives, alongside constructive discussions around tangible actions to better support mothers during the transition into parenthood.
The survey, conducted in February 2026 with 1,050 UK mothers in partnership with YouGov, found that:
- Over half (55%) of UK’s new mothers reported feeling a loss of identity, with 14% experiencing a strong sense of identity loss.
- A notable 78% reported experiencing some form of role confusion or uncertainty post-birth, indicating that many new mothers face profound internal upheaval as they adjust to life with a newborn.
- 82% of women experiencing role confusion reported feeling overwhelmed while 68% reported heightened levels of anxiety
The effects of these feelings extend beyond emotional adjustment. 52% of mothers stated that their career direction declined after becoming a parent, and nearly half (48%) of those experiencing role confusion reported strain in their relationships with partners.
These findings sit alongside national data showing that 1 in 10 mothers experience postnatal depression, according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies highlighting the long-term career impacts of motherhood.
Together, the 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.
The research is released alongside the launch of Mum Love, a new UK foundation established to recognise and address what it describes as a role confusion crisis affecting modern mothers.
Founded by Georgie Woollams, who drew from her own experience of feeling lost and disconnected during early motherhood, Mum Love aims to ensure that women navigating this transition do not feel alone.
“It is time we talk about this openly and honestly. Many women experience a profound internal shift when they become mothers, yet it is rarely acknowledged. This research shows how common that experience is. Earlier recognition could help prevent isolation, strain, and long-term impact,” said Woollams. “We’re delighted this issue has been taken seriously by the government representatives, and we look forward to progressing this relationship through constructive discussions and tangible actions to better support mothers during this transition.”
Mum Love argues that maternal support should be proactive rather than reactive, addressing the psychological and role transition early to prevent more serious mental health challenges or broader inequalities.
A representative from Number 10 Downing Street said in an official letter “It is inspiring to hear that you have turned your own experiences of identity loss into an initiative that works to help other mothers navigate the path between motherhood and who they are outside of being a parent. Your desire to support others, and by extension families and communities, is commendable.”
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.
ENDS