🌸 “When Mum is Strong, Baby Grows Stronger”

Why Supporting New Mothers is the Best Investment in Our Future

Becoming a mother in Singapore is a beautiful journey—one filled with love, pride, and… let’s be real, some pretty overwhelming moments. From navigating night feeds to learning how to swaddle with one hand while answering WhatsApp messages from the mother-in-law, it can feel like stepping into a new world with no manual.

But here’s the truth: when a mother feels supported and empowered, her child thrives. And in our close-knit culture, that support comes not just from the government or the hospital, but from the family unit—husbands, in-laws, even neighbours in the same block.

💬 1. "I’ve Got You": Emotional Support Goes a Long Way

You know that feeling when someone offers to carry your groceries, or tells you, “You’re doing a great job”? For new mums, even a simple kind word can make a world of difference.

Emotional support helps reduce postpartum depression, encourages bonding with the baby, and builds confidence. In Singapore, mental wellness platforms like Mindline.sg and the counselling teams at KKH are stepping up. But do you know what is even more powerful? A supportive partner who listens without fixing, or a mother-in-law who says, “Rest, I’ll take care of baby for a while.”

🔹 Research backs this up: A 2025 study (Franco-Rowe et al.) found that mothers with emotional support had healthier coping mechanisms and more positive interactions with their babies. Local community groups like MummySG and Babywearing Singapore offer peer support that makes mums feel less alone.

🍼 2. Spouse Involvement: Not Just Daddy Duties, But Daddy Superpowers

Gone are the days when dad’s role was just to bring home the bacon. Today, the most impactful dads are those who change diapers, read bedtime stories, and know the difference between breast milk and formula.

The Government’s shared parental leave scheme (up to 4 weeks from July 2024) is designed to encourage this hands-on role. When partners are actively involved, mothers feel less overwhelmed and more emotionally available, which benefits the child immensely.

“My husband took the night shift for the first week so I could sleep. That one gesture? It saved me,” — Amanda, mum of one in Tampines.

👵🏽 3. In-laws: From ‘Other Parents’ to Powerful Allies

It’s true—Singapore’s multi-generational households can be both a blessing and a challenge. But when in-laws offer non-judgmental support instead of outdated advice (“In our day, babies slept on their tummies…” 😅), they become one of the strongest support pillars a new mum can have.

Encouraging in-laws to ask rather than assume, to help without overstepping, and to give space for the mum to lead can create harmony. A study from South Africa (Haskins et al., 2025) showed that when older generations joined antenatal education, family unity improved and child development outcomes increased.

📚 4. Knowledge is Power—and Peace of Mind

Singaporean mums are resourceful. From Baby Bonus toolkits to prenatal classes at NUH, mums are eager to learn. But information overload can feel like drinking from a firehose. That’s why curated, accessible guidance—like HPB’s Parent Hub—matters.

Empowered mothers who feel confident in making decisions—whether about vaccinations, baby-led weaning, or childcare options—are calmer, more present, and more secure in their parenting journey.

🧘‍♀️ 5. Energy to Love: Avoiding Burnout

Let’s not sugarcoat it: Mum burnout is real. Between confinement expectations, breastfeeding pressure, and sleepless nights, even the strongest mum needs a breather.

In Singapore, where family help is often nearby, even one extra pair of hands makes a difference. Letting mum nap, cook her favourite porridge, or take the baby for a walk gives her the strength to show up fully—mentally and emotionally.

One impactful initiative is the postnatal home visits by midwives in certain hospitals. Just having someone check in on mum, not just baby, can prevent long-term exhaustion and distress.

💞 6. The Village Model Still Works—Just Modernised

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Well, in Singapore, that village looks like:

• A spouse who knows how to burp baby

• A mother-in-law who says, “I trust you know best”

• A sister who orders confinement tingkat

• A neighbour who drops off kopi and kaya toast

When these small gestures come together, they create a safe, empowering space where the mother can thrive—and that’s when children flourish too.

🎓 Evidence-Based and Heart-Felt

Supporting mothers is not just tradition—it’s smart policy. Research shows:

• Mothers who receive family and community support raise children with better cognitive and emotional development (King et al., 2025).

• Empowered parenting reduces stress-related illness in both mother and child (Babazadeh et al., 2025).

• Involving multiple generations in parenting leads to stronger family bonds and more secure children (Ariyani et al., 2025).

🌈 Final Thoughts

So to every husband, parent, in-law, friend, and neighbour reading this: You matter. Your support might feel small, but it echoes through generations.

When a mother feels seen, heard, and lifted up, she doesn't just raise a child—she raises the future of Singapore.