New Research Reveals More Than a Third of Mums Check Their Breasts Less Frequently Since Having Children

Becoming a mum often means putting everyone else first, but new research from Kendamil has revealed the impact this can have on women's health, with more than a third of mothers checking their breasts less frequently since having children.

Released during Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the research highlights how the demands of motherhood can push preventative health checks to the bottom of an already endless to-do list.

A survey of 1,000 women aged 25–45 with children under the age of four, conducted by Attest, found that 74% of mums struggle to make time for their own health and wellbeing, while 45% say preventative health is at the bottom of their to-do list.

The findings also revealed that 36% of women check their breasts less frequently since becoming a mother, with 61% of mums saying they check their chest less because they forget, have too much else to think about or prioritise their family's needs first. Overall, 69% of mums said they do not check their chest regularly.

The research forms part of Kendamil's campaign to encourage mothers to put themselves back on the list, reminding women that looking after their own health is just as important as caring for their families.

Journalist and Mother Pukka founder Anna Whitehouse is backing the campaign, highlighting how prioritising everyone else's needs can come at a cost to mothers themselves.

She said: “As mothers, all our instincts say to prioritise our family's health, happiness and wellbeing above anything else. That sounds wonderful, but actually we are doing both ourselves and our families the greatest disservice. If we don't look after our own health, we risk the Mother Ship going down – our family NEED us to start focussing on ourselves a bit more.”

The emotional impact is also clear, with 64% of women saying that not checking their breasts regularly leaves them feeling guilty, worried or uneasy. More than a quarter also said it feels like yet another thing they need to remember to do.

For Warwickshire mum and breast cancer survivor Kelly Taylor, the importance of paying attention to changes in your body is deeply personal. Kelly was just 27 and had two young children when she discovered a lump. Despite initially being reassured by her GP that it was benign, she was diagnosed with breast cancer just 10 days before her 28th birthday.

Her eldest son Archie was two, while her youngest, Frankie, was just nine months old. Kelly underwent chemotherapy followed by a double mastectomy, with treatment ultimately proving successful.

Reflecting on her experience, Kelly said: “If there's one thing I want other mums to take from my experience, it's to please check your breasts regularly and never ignore something that doesn't feel right. We spend so much time looking after our little ones, but it's so important we look after ourselves too!”

This October, Kendamil has partnered with ASDA Tickled Pink in support of Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel. As part of the month-long campaign, the brand is turning the lids of its Organic Follow-on and Toddler milk tins pink, with 10% of sales from every pink tin being donated to the Tickled Pink charities.

The message is simple: amidst the school runs, sleepless nights and endless family to-do lists, mums deserve to put their own health first, too.

If you're a mum who has been putting your own wellbeing on the back burner, let this be your reminder to make time for yourself. Checking your breasts regularly and getting any unusual changes checked by a healthcare professional can make a difference.

For more information: Visit Kendamil's website to find out more about the campaign.