Having a baby brings many couples closer together survey finds

Couples often become closer as a result of having a baby, with eight out of ten mums agreeing the experience had strengthened their relationship.

Having a baby made 91 per cent of mothers feel like a family rather than just a couple.

The Aptamil 21st Century Mum survey also found that despite 68 per cent of new mums finding motherhood harder work than they imagined, positive changes resulted from the birth of their baby.

From more than 4,000 mums and mums-to-be questioned for the research, 62 per cent reported they were given plenty of support by their own mother in the early weeks.

A 49 per cent said they relied on other family members such as siblings for help.

Senior lecturer in social policy at the University of Kent, Dr Ellie Lee said:  “Given that parenthood often comes with a ‘health warning’ about the new stresses and strains it brings for mums, dads and their relationship with each other, it is striking that many mums report that having children has created a new closeness to others.”