13 ways motherhood has changed over time

Motherhood looks very different now than it did a generation or two ago. In 1970, most U.S. moms had their first baby at 21, but today that age is closer to 27, according to the CDC.

Now, moms might answer work messages while stepping over LEGO pieces, look up the best non-toxic pacifier during nap time, and get potty training advice from online groups full of people they’ve never met.

While our grandmothers shopped with handwritten grocery lists, today’s moms can have diapers delivered with a quick swipe before their coffee is ready.

Rotary phones have been replaced by smart monitors, playground gossip by podcasts, and Sunday roasts by meal kits (and no judgment—we’ve all done it). These examples illustrate just how much motherhood has evolved in a relatively short time.

Here are 13 interesting ways that highlight how motherhood has evolved.

Working Motherhood Is the New Norm

Remember when the default image of a mom was someone who stayed home? That picture has been totally repainted. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, over 70% of mothers are now active in the workforce. That’s a giant leap from just 47% back in 1970.

Having two incomes in a household is now the norm. Modern mothers often multitask, handling work deadlines, diapers, school runs, and spreadsheets. It’s a demanding reality that has changed what it means to provide for a family.

Motherhood Takes Many Forms

The definition of what makes a mother has expanded beautifully. Motherhood is no longer confined to biology. Adoption, fostering, and step-parenthood are now mainstream, enriching our understanding of family.

It’s a view that honors the love and devotion that truly make up motherhood, no matter how a family comes together.

Mothers Are Older Than Ever Before

The timeline for starting a family has stretched significantly. The CDC reports that the average age for a first birth has climbed to 27.5, and this trend is still ongoing. In fact, the number of first-time moms aged 35 and older has swelled by a quarter in just the last few years.

Why is this happening? Many women are prioritizing education, building careers, and achieving financial stability before having children. This intentional approach is changing the whole experience.

Women Have More Reproductive Autonomy

The ability to choose when and how to start a family is one of the most significant changes in modern motherhood. Widespread access to family planning, fertility treatments, and comprehensive reproductive healthcare gives women control over their lives.

This allows women to align their family planning with their personal, professional, and financial goals. It empowers them to become mothers on their own terms, a freedom that previous generations fought hard to secure.

Family Sizes Are Getting Smaller

Along with starting families later, mothers are also having fewer children. Today, the average is around 1.52 children per woman, as the BBC reports, which is about half the number their mothers had. Financial pressures and career goals contribute to this trend toward smaller families.

This change means parenting can feel more focused and sometimes more intense. With fewer children, parents often devote more time and resources to each child, which has led to what many refer to as ‘intensive mothering.’

Maternal Mental Health Finally Matters

The “baby blues” used to be whispered about in hushed tones. Now, conversations about postpartum depression, anxiety, and burnout are happening out in the open. This new honesty is vital.

By reducing the stigma around maternal mental health struggles, we are creating a culture where mothers feel safe to ask for help.

Support systems, ranging from therapy to community groups, are becoming increasingly accessible, reminding new mothers that they are not alone.

Fathers Are Far More Involved

Say goodbye to the stereotype of the distant, breadwinning dad. Today’s fathers are rolling up their sleeves and getting involved. A Pew Research study found that dads now spend about 1.02 hours caring for and helping their children per day.

This shift toward “co-parenting” is revolutionary. It means the workload—and the joy—of raising children is more equally shared. This partnership approach not only lightens the load for mothers but also provides children with more engaged and present father figures.

Mothers Are Spending More Time With Their Kids

Surprisingly, even though more moms work outside the home, they spend twice as much time with their children each day compared to the previous generation.

They often give up their own leisure time to read, play, and help with homework. This focus on connecting with kids is a key part of modern parenting.

Birth Settings Have Radically Improved

A century ago, most births happened at home with far greater risks. Today, hospital births are standard, significantly reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.

According to the CDC’s National Vital Statistics Reports, the U.S. infant mortality rate stood at 5.61 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2023, a decrease from previous years.

This medical progress offers immense peace of mind, providing mothers with access to care and interventions that have saved countless lives and made childbirth safer.

Increased Advocacy and Public Support

The good news? Mothers today are not facing these challenges alone. There is a growing cultural and political push for more support systems, including paid family leave, workplace protections for pumping, and other policies that support parents.

This increased advocacy and visibility are making a real difference. By demanding more from employers and society, modern mothers are helping to build a more supportive and equitable world for the next generation of families.

The Pressure of “Intensive Mothering”

With all the progress comes new pressures. Modern moms often practice ‘intensive mothering’—a style that prioritizes constant emotional engagement, enrichment activities, and a child-centered focus, which can create overwhelm and burnout.

This impossible standard is a significant source of the overwhelm and burnout many mothers feel today, highlighting the double-edged sword of modern expectations.

The Rise of Flexible Careers and Remote Work

The global pandemic fast-tracked a trend that was already bubbling: flexible and remote work. The ability to work from home eliminates long commutes and allows for more flexibility in managing the daily childcare logistics.

This shift is helping more mothers stay in the workforce while remaining present and active parents.

Welcome to Digital Motherhood

Feeling alone at 3 a.m. with a fussy baby? There’s a Facebook group for that. Modern mothers are more connected than ever before through online forums, mom blogs, and social media groups.

These virtual villages offer instant support, expert advice, and a sense of community that transcends geographical boundaries.

For many, these digital networks offer a lifeline, fostering a sense of belonging and providing reassurance that was impossible for previous generations to find so easily. IMO, this is one of the most powerful tools in a modern mom’s toolkit.

The 15 Things Women Only Do With the Men They Love

The 15 Things Women Only Do With the Men They Love

Love is a complex, beautiful emotion that inspires profound behaviors. We express our love in various ways, some universal, while others are unique to each individual. Among these expressions, there are specific actions women often reserve for the men they deeply love.

This piece explores 15 unique gestures women make when they’re in love. From tiny, almost invisible actions to grand declarations, each tells a story of deep affection and unwavering commitment. Read on to discover these 15 things women only do with the men they love.