Midwives were celebrating yesterday a massive vote from mothers for expansion of their numbers.
Recruiting more midwives emerged as a key election issue in a survey of mothers.
Some 2,000 women took part in the Mother and Baby magazine survey.
70 per cent said recruiting 5,000 more midwives would be "life-changing".
The next most popular idea was the option of 12 months paid statutory leave women having babies – voted as life-changing by 67 per cent.
Other popular ideas including tax-breaks for grand-parents who help with child care, flexi-working and equal child benefits for twins.
Free milk and fruit for children at nurseries and annual development checks for infants were also popular.
Cathy Warwick, general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, welcomed the findings.
She said: "Mothers and midwives are as one on this issue: we need more midwives. The numbers are increasing and there should be more increases on the way. All the main political parties are committed to this, and we will hold whoever comes into power to these promises."
She added: "As the survey shows, issues around breastfeeding and post-natal depression are real concerns for women. The RCM is a staunch advocate for increasing breastfeeding rates, and better support for those suffering with post-natal depression. More midwives will help in both areas, and more specialist midwives and facilities for those with post-natal depression is something we would welcome."
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