When a woman thinks about the possibility of having children, she does not always imagine an idyllic life. There are many social, practical, and economic factors that make you consider this decision with greater uncertainty. So much so that the psychologist Anna Asensio He recognizes that … In her practice, she sees many women “when they have to choose between parenting and work, two things that are very important to them, the pain is enormous. To take care of our mental health, mothers need support, The ability to share care and ease the burden of guilt And anxiety. “Mothers’ mental overload, as well as their emotional health, needs more attention.”
The psychologist made these statements in relation to the data contained in the report “The Invisible Weight of Motherhood”, just presented by the Yo No Renuncio Association of the Malasmadres Club, which ensures that 3 out of 4 mothers report mental health problems. The study also indicates that 82% of mothers had to make work decisions that affected their careers, such as reducing work hours, rejecting promotions, changing jobs, or leaving the job. Moreover, more than half of women, 54%, are aware of this After I felt judged In the work environment after becoming mothers: 44% felt that their value was less professionally, another 44% received comments from their colleagues that reinforced this judgment, and 43% confirmed that decisions made by the company after motherhood made them feel punished. These data reflect the continued penalization of working mothers and the continuation of the model of the “ideal worker” who is available without interruption and without caring responsibilities.
But there is more disturbing data. 90% of women did not benefit from the new 8-week parental leave, approved in 2023, and it is still unpaid. Which indicates a decrease in its effectivenessand emphasizes that reconciliation remains an unresolved issue: mothers continue to pay the personal, professional, and emotional cost of supporting care. While viewing this data, andres Perez Berroca, “In mid-2025, reconciliation is still not easy, so it is necessary to continue making this reality visible to achieve a more just, equal and feminist society,” noted the head of programs and publications at Espacio Fundación Telefónica.
maite Egoscozabal, The sociologist and reconciliation specialist from Malmsadres lamented that reconciliation still falls “on the shoulders of families, especially on mothers. It should not be like this: having children should be a social responsibility, not an individual responsibility.”
69% of mothers claim that they have not used it For not paying it; 51% admitted that they had waited for their wages to be approved, as set out in European Directive 2019/1158; 28% did not request it knowing they would lose their salary; Moreover, 7% were not aware of its existence, which raises doubts about the dissemination and dissemination of this measure by public administrations and companies.
The study also shows that 86% of women living as a couple bear the main responsibility for family planning and mental workload, an invisible job that involves constant planning, constant attention and emotional exhaustion. This burden does not only translate to Lack of private time, but also feelings of loneliness and exhaustionfactors that directly affect health and relationships.
Moreover, the main reason women break up is Mental overload Derived from the unfair distribution of household tasks and caring for sons and daughters. 62% of separated women confirm that the lack of joint responsibility led to their separation, while 41% of those living as a couple admit that this will be the main reason for the separation.
The invisible weight of motherhood This also affects physical and mental health. 3 out of 4 women realize that this situation has affected them to a moderate or severe degree.
• 51% show symptoms of fatigue and frequent discomfort.
• 22% suffered from anxiety, depression, or physical problems.
• Only 2% confirm that their health has not been affected at all.
14% were forced to stop unofficially (unpaid days or vacations), 12% requested medical leave, and 6% combined the two options. In addition, 6 in 10 women expressed a desire to have emotional support networks or spaces to connect with other mothers, whether at work or in social settings.
laura baena, The association’s director explained the three areas in which the invisible weight of motherhood affects. “In the workplace, we have been seeing for ten years that many women are quitting after becoming mothers in different ways (Reducing working hours or permits or stopping work directly). In the domestic sphere, the data continues to tell us about the complete lack of shared responsibility and the enormous mental burden that women bear. In the public sphere, we need public policies that put care at the center so we don’t feel alone. That is why our report includes a final section of concrete proposals related to reconciliation policies so that they do not remain merely diagnostic.
Among these measures the following are proposed:
1. Reducing working hours for care without losing salary.
2. 8 weeks parental leave bonus.
3. Extension of birth permits up to 24 weeks.
4. Flexibility to return to work after motherhood.
5. Recognition of temporary disability after birth (15 vaginal days / 30 cesarean days).
6. Mandatory acceptance of the amendment of the day (Article 34.8 ET).
These proposals seek Learn about care workEnsuring the right to reconciliation without punishment and moving towards true social responsibility.
New to this edition, they highlight that 9 out of 10 women realize that their sexual relationships have decreased after becoming mothers: 73% say they did this significantly and 21% said they did this to some extent.
Finally, the sociologist Eric Fisher He regretted that there was a significant absence of men in the room where the presentation took place: “I imagine they would be at home preparing the food,” he joked, noting that it was important for them to think about how to do things well, while bearing their share of the care and mental burden without the women having to tell us.