Philips Avent has teamed up with broadcaster, author, world champion dancer and new mum Oti Mabuse to launch ‘Share the Care’ benches across the UK, providing mums with spaces to pause, breathe, and take a moment for themselves, as new research reveals 89% of mums have less than an hour for themselves each day.
Research by OnePoll for Philips Avent, which surveyed 1,000 mums with children under four years old, shows the toll that modern motherhood takes. A total of 86% of mums say they wish they had more time for self-care and basic daily needs, while 81% admit they didn’t realise how important their ‘village’ would be until they became parents.
Yet, more than one in four mums say they lacked support from those around them in the early years of parenting, highlighting how partners, family members and friends often fail to step in and give mums the time they need.
Philips Avent is calling on partners and family members such as aunties, uncles, grandparents, neighbours and friends, to support mums as part of the ‘village’ and ‘Share the Care’. The benches, which will be launched across the UK throughout the year, will offer a space where mums can reclaim a moment of peace and quiet when the village steps in to take care of baby. Providing more than just a place to sit- – the benches are intended to be a symbol of support, reminding mums they’re not alone, and that caring for themselves benefits both them and their baby.
Speaking at the launch of the Share the Care bench at Greenwich Park in London, Oti Mabuse said:
“As a working mum, I know too well how difficult it is. Motherhood is beautiful, but it can also be overwhelming and full of impossible expectations.
“I count on my village to step in so I can get small pockets of time to look after myself so that I can be the best version of myself for my family. Even if that’s simply going for a walk or sitting on a bench and having moment to myself. These small moments allow me to recharge and be the best mum I can be for my baby.”
The campaign taps into a clear need as the research also found that:
· 87% of mums say having support helps them make time for self-care
· 64% feel recharged by spending time in public spaces like parks
However, 40% of mums admit they didn’t give much thought to what kind of support they’d need before their baby arrived.
Alongside Oti Mabuse, Philips Avent is also partnering with NHS GP, BBC Morning Live Resident Doctor, author, and mum of two, Dr. Punam Krishan, who shares her top three self-care tips:
1. Care for yourself as you care for your child
“As a doctor and a mum, I see first-hand how demanding motherhood can be. Remember, when you are well, your family is well too.”
2. Schedule time just for you
“Even 10 minutes can make a difference. Block it in your diary and treat it as non-negotiable. Use that time to take a walk, enjoy a coffee with a friend, or simply breathe and reflect.”
3. Ask for help and share the load
“Motherhood was never meant to be a solo journey. Lean on your support system — friends, family, neighbours — and take the time you need without guilt.”
Following the research which showed that 77% of mums would love a dedicated space to pause and reset, Philips Avent plans to work with local authorities to bring Share the Care benches to several locations across the UK, offering mums, parents and their support networks a space to rest and recharge.
