Comments on: Maternity Leave Manifesto

By: Melodie

Melodie — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:10:41 +0000

Amen to all of that. Great post!

By: Arwyn

Arwyn — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:19:21 +0000

Love it!

Ideally, I’d want paternal leave to be equal to maternal leave — really, for there just to be one parental leave available to all parents regardless of gender or method of arrival of the new family member. I’d also like to see something for the end of pregnancy, if applicable; flex time, part time, or early/medical leave as necessary.

But yea, Amber for Supreme World Leader!

By: Maria@Conversations with Moms

Maria@Conversations with Moms — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:51:19 +0000

I agree with all your points. I agree with Annie in saying that a lot of these benefits are covered in Quebec. Canada comes very close too. I hope one day other countries will advance in their maternity benefits. I think it’s sad to only have a few weeks to care for your newborn.

By: Rebecca ~ Playground Confidential

Rebecca ~ Playground Confidential — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:28:41 +0000

Re: Abbie’s comment about mat leave feeling like welfare in the States

When a society says that it values babies/family and working mothers by providing state guaranteed benefits in the way of paid maternity leave, it will NOT feel like welfare. Does it feel like welfare to not have to pay for books at a library or to use the public school system? Of course not.

Great post!

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:56:04 +0000

These are really great points, and so needed in many cases. I wonder how much good can come from these ideas, empowering parents to make better choices for them and their families?

I am always amazed that our American friends don’t have leave like we do in Canada – and even in Canada we’d argue that we want the government/businesses to do more.

By: pomomama aka ebbandflo

pomomama aka ebbandflo — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:31:55 +0000

excellent summary and focus on maternity leave and allied thoughts. until parenting/raising a family is seen as something to be valued, the two-tier system us vs. them will continue in the workplace for a long time

By: Lady M

Lady M — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:32:34 +0000

Amen, especially the part about keeping healthcare benefits.

By: Allison

Allison — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:28:27 +0000

Amber for Prime Minister! Or President. Or Most Esteemed World Leader. Or something.

By: Abbie

Abbie — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:16:57 +0000

And here I was all excited that I managed to save 4 months worth of sick days over the last six years…

I agree, in a perfect world your manifesto sounds great. However, in the US any benefit from the government has the risk of being viewed as “welfare” which has a ton of negative connotations here. I know I myself would be hesitant to receive money from the government, even though I know my taxes would be paying for it. Welfare is a stigma here, a sign that you can’t take care of yourself or your own children. I think major changes have to take place in the way we think before government sponsored maternity leave would be a reality here.

By: Emily

Emily — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:29:36 +0000

It sounds great Amber but I also think companies need to step up as well. I was SHOCKED when we moved back to Canada from the UK that the only people who’s company who topped up were those who worked for the government.

As a result I’m barely even considering returning to my company for work – sure I have to work but why should I work for them?