OVER half of mums from the Midlands kept their pregnancy a secret from their mothers, according to a survey conducted by UK charity, Tommy’s.
The ‘We See A Mum’ campaign survey showed 54 per cent of respondents felt it necessary to keep their pregnancy confidential.
The charity aims to shed light on the often unspoken struggles and sentiments surrounding parenthood.
Responses from both the East and West Midlands, revealed insights into why many mums choose to keep their journey to parenthood a secret.
Topping the list of reasons for maintaining secrecy were feelings of embarrassment, a belief that the topic is too personal, and a lack of a relationship with their own mother.
The We See A Mum campaign, initiated by Tommy’s in 2022, seeks to honour and acknowledge all mothers, regardless of where they find themselves on their pregnancy journey.
Key findings from the survey illuminate the diverse perspectives and experiences surrounding motherhood in the Midlands:
36% of Midlands adults agree that discussions about people’s experiences of pregnancy should be spoken about more.
For 31% of mothers in the Midlands, mother’s day is seen as overly commercial while 43% expressed happiness when reflecting on Mother’s Day.
A significant 61% of mothers in the Midlands felt like a parent when holding their baby for the first time, while 12% experienced this sensation upon receiving a positive pregnancy test.
Kath Abrahams, Tommy’s Chief Executive said: “Our poll suggests that sadly, many mums in the Midlands find it difficult to share their journey to parenthood, even with their own mum.
“At the same time, many of those who took part said we should be able to talk more openly about experiences such as baby loss and difficulties conceiving.
“We See A Mum was created to capture different moments from different journeys, from the joyous to the devastating.
“Every experience should be recognised, and every mum celebrated and supported, from the moment they feel like a parent.
“Whenever it happens, no mum should have to hide that precious moment. At Tommy’s, we see a mum, and we’re here to support you.”
