Being a mother is a full-time job; it is not something simple.
The story of Brazilian actress and writer Karla Tenório went viral after she publicly stated that she “hates being a mother” and regrets motherhood.
Tenório explained that she never wanted to have children, but ended up giving in to her partner’s desire. Although she said she loves her daughter, she criticized the “romanticized” view of motherhood and the social pressure that forces many women to appear happy in that role.
She also revealed that she suffered postpartum psychosis and deep guilt for years, trying to become a “perfect mother”.
Over time she created the “Regretful Mother” movement, a space on social media for other women to speak without fear about frustrations, exhaustion, and regret linked to motherhood.
Her testimony sparked an intense debate between those who supported her for making a little-discussed reality visible and those who questioned her statements.