Here’s a very interesting HBR article that highlights different country social policies when it comes to mothers in the workplace.
Granted this article is a direct comparison with Sweden and not Spain, but it still highlights some major differences of the US vs Europe. Aside from the actual time off (and/or paid time off) what’s most interesting to me is the cultural aspect here: in the US women are more afraid to tell their bosses about their pregnancy and it can be received quite negatively, whereas in Europe (generally speaking of course) this can be received as positive news.
Motherhood is tough in itself! Having to deal with uncertainties in your workplace, lack of job security and negative feedback on top of just surviving to sleep and get by every day just seems unimaginable to me in a country so advanced as the US.
Spanishized: Insights from an American in Spain 