Research: 'Supermom' Pressures Lead to Higher Rates of Depression

It's all about perception, rather than the amount of juggling a woman does, according to new research presented Saturday at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association in Las Vegas. If she expects to drop a few balls from time to time, she's less likely to develop depression by the time she's 40.

"Women are sold a story that they can do it all, but most workplaces are still designed for employees without child-care responsibilities," said Katrina Leupp, a University of Washington sociology graduate student who conducted the study in a statement. And it's not like babies born to working moms have any fewer demands than those born to stay-at-home moms.

That means something has to give. "You can happily combine child rearing and a career, if you're willing to let some things slide," Leupp said.