Female Support for New Moms on the Decline

Mothers of young children have experienced a significant decline in the presence and availability of other women in the household over the last 120 years, according to new research by Brown University sociologist Susan E. Short. In addition to Short, the research team included Frances K. Goldscheider and Berna M. Torr. Their results are published in Demography.

Analyzing U.S. census data from 1880 to 2000, the researchers examined patterns of co-residence for mothers with children 5 years old or younger. They focused on the household presence of females who traditionally helped mothers with childcare, such as the women's mothers and mothers-in-law, other female relatives and non-relatives, and older daughters.

"This work adds to current discussion of work-family balance issues