Loneliness in early motherhood: A national health issue

Medibank, in partnership with Women’s Agenda, has launched The Motherhood Index, a new national report examining the lived experience of loneliness and connection during early motherhood in Australia.

Drawing on national survey data and qualitative insights from mothers across the country, the Index explores how connection, support and social design affect maternal mental and physical health during the early years of parenting.

Developed by Women’s Agenda in partnership with Medibank, the research identifies where mothers feel supported—and where critical gaps in care and connection remain.

Key findings from The Motherhood Index

The Index reveals that loneliness is not an exception but a widespread, structural issue:

Loneliness is the norm

• 73% of mothers feel lonely at least a few times each month
• 60% describe the transition to motherhood as lonely
• Almost 98% have experienced loneliness since having children

The ‘village’ is missing

• Only 38% of mothers feel part of a supportive village
• Most support comes from partners and informal networks

Significant mental health impacts

• 39% report postnatal anxiety and/or depression
• Loneliness increases risk and reduces help seeking

Everyday spaces aren’t designed for connection

• Parks and playgrounds are the most visited public spaces
• Only 5% of mothers form genuine friendships there

These findings highlight how social environments designed for children often fail to meet the social needs of adults, reinforcing isolation rather than connection.

Giving voice to a quiet experience

Speaking at the report’s launch, Medibank Group Lead – Policy, Advocacy and Reputation, Meaghan Telford, said the Index is about more than data – it is about giving voice to an experience many mothers carry quietly.

“Today isn’t just about launching a report. It’s about naming something many people feel but still find difficult to talk about: loneliness.”

The Motherhood Connection Survey, which underpins the Index, found that nearly three quarters of mothers experience loneliness at least monthly. Yet social expectations that motherhood should be “the happiest time of your life” often silence those who are struggling.

As a result, many women minimise their feelings or carry them alone, fearing judgment or stigma.

Loneliness as a preventative health risk

Medibank Group Medical Director, Dr Shona Sundaraj, emphasised that loneliness is not just an emotional issue – it is a recognised risk factor for poor health outcomes.

“Loneliness isn’t just an emotional experience, it’s a recognised risk factor for both mental and physical health, and its impacts can be particularly profound during periods of transition like early parenthood.”

She added that loneliness and isolation can compound risk by reducing confidence, motivation and energy, making everyday behaviours such as exercise and social participation harder.

“This reduced participation can negatively impact physical health and reinforce ongoing isolation.”

A preventative health imperative

The report forms part of Medibank’s broader commitment to addressing loneliness as a preventative health issue.

Medibank’s 2030 Vision is to create the best health and wellbeing for Australia, not only its 4.2 million customers. A core focus is supporting people earlier, particularly during critical life stages where connection and care matter most.

“Becoming a mother is one of those moments,” Ms Telford said.

In 2020, Medibank made a 10 year commitment to addressing loneliness, recognising its long term impact on population health. The Motherhood Index is a key pillar of that strategy.

Lived experience at the centre

Ms Telford also reflected on her own experience as a mother of three, including welcoming twins during the COVID pandemic – a period marked by both joy and isolation.

“It’s an experience many of us have lived ourselves, or witnessed closely in those we love.”

This emphasis on lived experience is central to the Index, recognising that solutions must be grounded in the realities of modern motherhood.

A shared responsibility

Supporting mothers is not a peripheral issue in healthcare – it is foundational to family, community and generational wellbeing.

Addressing loneliness requires coordinated action across healthcare system, workplaces, policy settings, community and local services.

Ms Telford called on leaders, clinicians, organisations and advocates to:

• design services that prioritise connection
• shape policies reflecting contemporary motherhood
• create cultures where mothers can speak honestly and without stigma

“When we get this right, we don’t just improve outcomes – we change lives.”

Read the full Motherhood Index report here.