: Why Maternity Leave needs to be Longer
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(401 Words)
Maternity leave is woefully short for many working mothers, creating an unfortunate situation for both parent and child. The following points highlight the reasons why this time should be increased.
A short maternity leave may force the parents to take the baby out in public earlier than recommended.
Many pediatricians recommend that newborns be kept in relative isolation until approximately two months of age. They want to avoid them getting sick, especially before their two month shots. Some doctors want them to go to the hospital for even a low fever at that age. Many maternity leaves are shorter than two months, however, and a lot of parents will be forced to send their children to daycare. Not only will they not be in isolation but they will be exposed to many other children, and they will have a greater likelihood of getting sick.
It makes it easier for the mother to breastfeed for longer
Breastfeeding is extremely important and has been shown to keep babies healthy and even save lives. The longer a mother can do it, the better. Of course, this is complicated when a mother goes back to work, and many struggle with expressing milk. The longer the maternity leave, the longer she will be able to provide this disease-frightening, brain-boosting nutrition.
Parents need more time to bond with their babies
The bonding process between a parent and a new baby is complex. It is important that they spend a lot of time together. Many parents truly feel torn away from their newborns when they go back to work after so short a time. They may feel that they can better develop a relationship and a bond with more time during this critical period.
Some mothers need more time to recover
A lot of mothers have c-sections, which is major surgery. It can take weeks and even months for them to start feeling like normal. Even a natural birth can be traumatic for some. Many also have complications and other physical repercussions of the pregnancy or childbirth. A longer maternity leave would give mothers more time to recuperate.
Many women feel that their maternity leave is simply too short. They may have trouble concentrating on their work when they get back because of the guilt from leaving a baby so young. That and the above reasons are just a few points highlighting why this time should be increased.