New Hampshire Mothers: A Profile of Challenges and Contributions on Mother’s Day
This Mother’s Day, the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute (NHFPI) is shining a light on the resilience and struggles of Granite State mothers. Data from 2019 to 2023 reveals that approximately 126,667 mothers aged 20-64 with children under 18 reside in New Hampshire, with about 80% actively participating in the labor force. Notably, mothers constitute 13% of the state’s workforce, with 3% having children under age six, and 8% participating with older children.
Labor participation rates among mothers are influenced by their children’s ages. Mothers with children aged six to 17 consistently exhibit higher workforce involvement compared to those with younger children. While participation for mothers of younger children saw a rise after 2015, those with mixed-age children experienced fluctuations from 2016 to 2023.
New Hampshire’s birth statistics reveal a decline in fertility rates, with the state ranking fifth lowest in the U.S. in 2023. Additionally, 30.1% of pregnancies in 2020 were reported as unintended. Maternity leave access remains a concern, with only 42.1% of mothers taking paid leave in 2020.
Maternal mental health challenges also persist, with significant percentages of mothers experiencing depression or anxiety during and after pregnancy. This Mother’s Day, NHFPI emphasizes the need to address these issues as part of honoring the invaluable role mothers play in their families and communities. For ongoing insights, subscribe to NHFPI’s newsletter, The Bottom Line.
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