Tuesday, March 24, 2009
6 weeks to Recover?
I'm back! Sorry I've been kinda outta things for a while but I'm gonna try to get back into the blogging thing again. The article that I'm posting is quite descriptive of the recovery process after a vaginal delivery. If you are bothered by descriptions than don't read it! (this is my disclaimer so as not to offend) However I thought that it was relevant to the issue of maternity/paternity leave to take a look at the recovery process from having a baby. I also chose this article because it is completely relevant to me as I am currently going through the recovery process myself. As indicated by the article there is a lot involved in birth and recovery and not all women are the same. However, despite this the amount of time allotted to a new mom to recover and re-establish her life is often capped at about 6 weeks. What are the implications of a woman (and her baby) being thrust back into work child care (for an infant) and mainstream life. Although I am currently enjoying my maternity leave and have been missing quite a bit of school, I am personally dreading the day (which rapidly approaches) when I have to put my brand new baby in a day care so I can return to work in order to stay above the poverty threshhold (see Patricias' post). I don't really have any solutions to what I see as a real problem but am curious about others' thought and or experiences.
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Glad you are back Liz! Giving birth can be amazing and amazingly difficult. The article reminds me of things I can do to help my wife. She is due in May!
ReplyDeleteI have to be honest, it doesn't sound all that pleasant. I think this is an important part of the picture, when talking about maternity and paternity, that often gets left out. People sometimes seem to think, "oh, she just wants to stay home and play with the baby" or "she's just tired from being up with the baby...she'll just have to get used to that." I really like how clear of a picture this article paints. Recovering from birthing a baby, both physically and emotionaly, is a more significant process than many seem to realize.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to have you back, Liz, but please be sure to take good care of yourself.
I have been truly cured of any desire I may have had of having children!! Why would any one in their right mind go through the pregnancy/birthing process once or multiple times?! (Can you tell I never have!) I guess the end result is worth it, right?!
ReplyDeleteAll I can think to say is, what do you mean 6 weeks isn't enough, aren't we supposed to be 'super women'? :) Take care of the home, kids, husband, community responsibilities, and work....all at the same time!! Was the maternity leave policy made by a man?!
I would say to try and think "outside the box" at possibilities for your situation. I cannot imagine leaving my baby all day in day care. I'd be happy to "think" with you if you'd like....
ReplyDeleteIt would have been hard to leave Andrea all day at 6 weeks. I was fortunate enough to return to a part time job with limited hours for a while. Because of our tough economic times, Liz and millions of new moms may not have that option. What I am thinking is that many employers may not be willing to do a job sharing arrangement, or implement other family friendly policies, because of the tough economic times we face.
ReplyDeleteIf we as a society had a better family leave policy that would PAY Liz for 3 or 6 months of maternity leave, then she wouldn't face this tug. When are we going to get there?