Did you know that the United States is one of only four countries without a national maternity leave policy? (The other's are Swaziland, Lesotho, PauPau New Guinea...go figure)

The US leaves all maternity leave policy to the individual businesses. Which means where you work determines how much time you get off. Most companies give new mom's 6-8wks of paid time off. But you only get 8wks if you deliver by c-section. And you are expected to call your job the day you give birth and report on what type of delivery you had so they can document and keep track of your time. a lot companies give you the choiceto start you leave on a designated day you choose or it starts the day you give birth. My company is one of these companies. I have to take 6wks and all ime after that is my personal time (vacation, personal days, sick time) or FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act of 1993).

Synopsis of Law
Covered employers must grant an eligible employee up to a total of 12 work weeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period for one or more of the following reasons:
-for the birth and care of the newborn child of the employee;
-for placement with the employee of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care;
-to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition; or
-to take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition.

It's a good law, guaranteeing your job will be there when you get back... but its unpaid leave... guess you have to take what you can get...

Personally I feel this is the most bizarre crap I have ever heard. How and why would it be ok to tell someone how long they can bond with their newborns? Parents have to entrust their children to either family members or to outside child care providers weeks before their child's immune system is prepared and or vaccinated. This country should be ashamed of themselves... A lot of the US's European counterparts give their employees one year of paid time off. There is one country that gives you at least four years off... Funny how other countries understand the importance of being with your child...

I wonder what would happen if the US decided to allow its employees that much time off? I think it would result in a better work force, or rather a more content work force. maybe if and when this country decides to go that route I'll start a temp business, catering to parents on leave and companies in need of temporary replacements...

Just my thoughts for the day