Over seven in ten Spanish mothers report feeling mentally overwhelmed, surpassing the mental burden felt by European mothers by a decade-point margin.
The international organisation MMM (Maternity Mental Health Matters) is set to present its project 'The State of Motherhood in Europe 2024' at the European Parliament on Monday, September 22, 2024. The study, based on the experiences of 9,600 mothers from various European countries, aims to shed light on the challenges and opportunities faced by mothers in Europe.
One of the key findings of the study is the significant drop in the proportion of mothers who work full-time after the birth of their first child. While 79% of mothers initially work full-time, this figure drops to 52% post-childbirth.
The study also reveals that 48% of mothers opt for a workplace nursery, indicating a growing need for childcare facilities that accommodate working mothers. Moreover, 54% of mothers express a desire for economic assistance for childcare, highlighting the financial burden that comes with balancing work and family life.
In terms of satisfaction, 56% of mothers are content with the benefits they receive during maternity leave, matching the European average. However, this doesn't diminish the fact that 78% of Spanish mothers declare feeling mentally overwhelmed, a figure significantly higher than the European average of 67%.
The report will also emphasise the need for a revaluation of motherhood, greater investment in maternal mental health support, an equitable distribution of unpaid domestic work, and an adaptation of the labor world to family responsibilities and care.
Interestingly, 66% of mothers would like a more adapted work schedule upon returning to work, and 40% prefer a gradual return. Additionally, 52% of mothers express a desire for the possibility of working remotely.
The study also touches upon breastfeeding, with 36% of Spanish mothers reporting difficulties with lactation, slightly higher than the European average of 32%.
Another concerning finding is the high prevalence of mental health problems among Spanish mothers. 57% of Spanish mothers report mental health problems, compared to the 50% in the EU. This is further underscored by the fact that 42% of Spanish mothers have experienced anxiety, 20% have had depression, and 17% have reported 'burnout', compared to the respective European averages of 32%, 16%, and 18%.
Despite these challenges, the study shows that 30% of mothers who changed their employment situation did so to spend more time with their children. This suggests a growing prioritisation of family life over career advancement.
The report will also address the issue of postpartum depression, with 17% of mothers with children under one year old in Spain reporting postpartum depression, compared to a 10% average in Europe.
A noteworthy aspect is that only 53% of Spanish mothers feel that their role as a mother is recognised by society, compared to a 59% at the European level. This underscores the need for societal changes to better support and appreciate the crucial role of mothers.
The complete report of 'The State of Motherhood in Europe 2024' will be presented on March 22, 2024, in the European Parliament, providing a comprehensive overview of the state of motherhood in Europe and offering valuable insights for policy-making and societal change.
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