Crusade

When I first began researching maternity leave benefits when Brennan was on the way, I was absolutely appalled at what I found. The United States is 1 of only 4 nations in the entire world that do not offer some form of paid maternity/paternity leave. The other nations: Swaziland, Lesotho, and Papua New Guinea. What's wrong with this picture?

With Brennan, I was lucky enough to be able to be home with him for seven months before going back to work part-time. With D2, I'll be lucky to be home for seven weeks before heading back to work.

With FMLA, only my job is guaranteed for 12 weeks. It's unpaid leave--only AFTER you have used up all your vacation and sick leave (if you are lucky enough to have accrued any).

It's a distressing thing for sure! Ever since I first began researching maternity leave over two years ago, it's become my new crusade. When will the United States catch up to the rest of the world in regards to supporting families? Just when you need an income increase, it's taken away. While I'm not suggesting that the US go as far as most nations in Europe (who provide up to two years paid leave), I am suggesting that the US make FMLA paid for at least the full 12 weeks.

As the birth of D2 draws closer, I find myself thinking about this more and more. I came across a grassroots organization called Moms Rising which helps facilitate people getting more involved in political issues that revolve around families. Thanks to Moms Rising, I found a great article that articulates matters better than I ever could. The website also has some great facts, statistics, and resources on it that are definitely worth checking out.

But until the US enacts a law providing paid maternity/paternity leave, we'll make the best of a not-so-good situation and enjoy whatever time I'll be able to take off when D2 makes his grand entrance into the world.