One of the biggest reasons I had for running this carnival was to hear other peoples’ stories. So far I’m loving all the ones I’ve read, and today I am going to share three with you. Each one highlights different aspects of maternity leave, and each one is a great read.
First up my friend Victoria, mother of the adorable Miss Lish, talks about her Maternity Leave experience. She is thankful for having a full year off with her daughter, since she wasn’t able to with her sons. She also discusses some of her difficulties re-integrating into work. For her, though, the defining characteristic of her maternity leave was the financial toll, as she writes:
… while it was good for the soul it was horrible for the pocket book. Now I know that you cant place a price on the importance of your kids or in being there with your kids- I am trying really!!! but after buying a house in the up rising market we are a head of that game but the $$$ paid out on maternity is not enough for any person to pay the 2006+ mortgage rates!!
I know they say that you get 55% of your salary BUT it is capped so i did not really get 55% and here in lies the problem …
Next up we have Jill. The story she shared for the Carnival of Maternity Leave is jaw-dropping. She has taken maternity leave three times, and describes the process as a ‘gong show’. She found applying for EI and addressing issues that arose to be difficult and bureaucratic, and believes that the system should be simplified. (I can only say AMEN!) She also shares a really amazing story about having to go to work for a day with a newborn and a toddler to qualify for benefits:
… I could still qualify for benefits if I worked one more day and then reapplied. Yes, you read that right. I had to go back to work for one day with bursting boobies, a two week old baby that nursed about 25 times per day, and an 18 month old who really couldn’t get enough of Mommy at that point. Gong show. Truly.
Finally Jennifer’s post, I must be on a roll, discusses her brief but extremely eventful maternity leave. Maybe a little too eventful. Jennifer is American and so her leave was much shorter than the year we enjoy in Canada, and it involved a C-section, choking babies and an ice storm. Here is an excerpt:
Next on the agenda of maternity leave time? Let’s just add the biggest ice storm this area has seen in AGES along with my husband’s extreme illness due to ulcerative colitis and you’ve got yourself a merry old time. (Keep in mind that a woman who has just undergone the MAJOR SURGERY of a c-section should not be lifting anything heavier than her infant and should not be doing any housework or driving.)
Our experiences on maternity leave are clearly as diverse as mothers themselves. Throw in a new baby (and maybe some older siblings to boot) and you know that things certainly won’t be boring. I am looking forward to hearing more tales from the trenches. In the meantime, I am feeling tremendously thankful that I didn’t have to deal with ice storms or return to work for a day to earn benefits.
Such a great topic. Thanks, Amber.
First of all, thanks for the love!
Second, a year? A YEAR?! I think it’s time to move to Canada…
Thanks for running this carnival! These are interesting reads.
I am so excited to read all the stories.
I like your compilation of posts into a single post; I’m enjoying myself already,
Wow.No wonder it’s women who have the babies. Who else could cope with all of these challenges so well and with such humour? (I know, I know, it’s often an “If I don’t laugh I’ll cry” kind of thing.)
Anyway, my heart goes out to all of those wonderful moms who continue to do such a great job of raising healthy, well-adjusted children. As a grandmother, I applaud and support all of you. Hugs and kisses all around!
I admire you for finding the time and the ideas to open discussions about so many important social aspects of motherhood.
Those are quite the stories – heading over to read!
Wow! These are just amazing women with fabulous stories! Amber, this is a really great idea! I’ll be reading everyone’s and also telling my story soon….