I love being a mom. Raising little people to become good, hardworking adults has been the joy of my life. I want other women to experience motherhood, too.

But I understand why more women are putting it off than before. Data shows that older members of Generation Z (born from 1997 to 2012) and even millennials (spanning 1981 to 1996) are delaying milestones like marriage and parenthood.

A 2024 study on motherhood found that just 6% of Gen Z had become moms. Cost seems to be a primary inhibitor.

Like all moms, I juggle work, parenting, household labor and relationships. It can be overwhelming. Moms are vocal about how it feels harder than ever. I've often argued that parenting needs a rebrand − that we should focus more on the positives, and I think we should − but there's no way around the fact that it's still a challenge.

If we want more women to have babies, it behooves us as a society to create and promote policy and community reforms. I don't think women and families should expect or receive........

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