What is Motherhood | photosmithonline.com

There is nothing more exciting than entering the world of motherhood.  Motherhood has been defined in many different ways by many different cultures.  There are biological mothers, adoptive mother, and surrogate mothers.  The role of a mother is being constantly defined and redefined in today?s society.

In the United States, there are approximately 82 million women who are mothers, according to the Census Bureau.  The average age for first births in the U.S. is 25 years, which is more than four years older than mothers were in the 1970s.  About 40 percent of all births in the U.S. are the mother?s first children; 32 percent are second-born children; and 17 percent are third-born children.  Most births are attended to by a physician or by a midwife.  In 2002, more than half of all mothers with infants were employed.  This reflects a significant decline from 1998. 

Indeed, one of the biggest decisions that modern mothers face is whether to stay at home with their children or to work outside of the home.  This is a personal decision that has been the subject of much debate.  While it was once expected for mothers to remain in the home to raise their children, it is now commonplace for women to return to work, placing their child in daycare or with another family member.  Although mothers have a tendency to criticize one another for their choice, women should instead rejoice in the number of options that are now available to them.

While mothers were once considered the primary caretakers of the children, but fathers and other family members are playing an increasing role in the family.  This is particularly true in Western counties like the United States.  Still, there are differences in parenting style between mothers and fathers.  For example, mothers tend to encourage communication more than fathers.

Motherhood remains a complex and exciting journey for women around the world.

Source: http://photosmithonline.com/photographer/1785/what-is-motherhood/

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