A recent survey indicates that two in five mothers of young children feel that parenting is a job for which there are simply not enough hours in the day. The study, which polled 2,000 mothers who are currently breastfeeding or have done so within the past five years, examined how time is allocated in the early stages of parenting.
The findings reveal that 39% of mothers feel a constant lack of time to complete all their parenting responsibilities. This sentiment is particularly strong among mothers who are currently breastfeeding, with 43% expressing this feeling compared to 37% of those who have previously breastfed.
On average, mothers spend four hours daily engaging with their babies through play or snuggling, two hours on diaper changes, and another two hours on bedtime routines and soothing. However, feeding emerges as the most time-consuming activity. Over the course of a year, the average mother spends more than 91 full days feeding her baby, from breastfeeding to introducing solid foods.
During the baby's first year, mothers dedicate approximately three hours per day to breastfeeding, with 28% reporting spending over five hours daily on this task. Nursing accounts for the majority of this time (33%), while pumping occupies nearly a quarter (22%). Additional time is allocated to cleaning equipment (16%), storing milk (15%), and planning feeding times (14%). Cumulatively, these activities amount to over 23 hours per week, or nearly 100 hours per month.
Breastfeeding was identified as one of the most challenging aspects of new motherhood by 40% of respondents, second only to a lack of sleep, which was cited by 47%. Other significant challenges include bedtime routines (32%), uncertainty about their baby's needs (26%), and ensuring an optimal environment for the child (26%).
Melissa Kotlen, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Clinical Manager of Momcozy, commented on the findings, stating that they reflect common experiences shared by families. She noted that while breastfeeding is often perceived as natural, it requires substantial investment of time, energy, and emotional resilience, particularly in the first year. Kotlen added that mothers facing difficulties often feel inadequate, despite experiencing very common challenges, and emphasized the importance of accessible, reliable support to help mothers feel informed and confident in their choices.
Despite the demanding nature of breastfeeding, many mothers have specific goals. The average mother surveyed intended to breastfeed for 10 months. However, 28% of those who have finished breastfeeding did not meet their goal, with the average duration for this group being approximately five months.
The survey also found that 53% of mothers identify with a flexible, "go with the flow" parenting style, while 40% set firm, specific parenting goals before their baby was born. Motivations for choosing to breastfeed included promoting the baby's health (56%) and fostering a bond (43%).
Despite these plans, one in six mothers reported feeling unprepared to begin breastfeeding. Unforeseen challenges included low milk supply (51%), managing mental and emotional well-being (35%), and exhaustion (33%). Consequently, over half of these respondents felt disappointed about not meeting their breastfeeding objectives, a feeling particularly prevalent among first-time mothers (61%).
Overall, 73% of mothers expressed feeling exhausted by their breastfeeding journey, citing barriers such as sore nipples (48%), physical exhaustion (39%), and difficulties with baby latching (33%). Many mothers expressed a desire for more support from their partners, both in sharing household responsibilities (49%) and in providing emotional and mental support (46%).
Kotlen highlighted that while breastfeeding places significant physical demands on mothers, they should not bear the burden alone. She noted that many mothers utilize tools like breast pumps, nursing bras, and nursing pillows to manage daily tasks, but these tools are most effective when complemented by a strong support system, whether from a partner, a lactation consultant, or reassuring peers.
The survey was commissioned by Momcozy and conducted online by Talker Research between July 1 and July 9, 2026. A total of 2,000 mothers who are currently breastfeeding or have done so within the last five years and have internet access participated in the study.