America provides the bare minimum for mothers who are about to give birth. Not everyone qualifies for FMLA and on top of that, unpaid leave is not ideal. Many companies choose their maternity benefits which results in the poorest policies. Having only 6 weeks off (if that) to adjust to motherhood and take care of a newborn is extremely unhealthy.
Studies show, babies benefit more if the mom is at home for AT LEAST 3 months. The stress of going back to work, having to put a newborn in daycare, a pumping schedule, etc can be detrimental to a mother’s postpartum mental health. We have to take care of our mothers better. So mandated policies regarding a more quality maternity leave should be in place to encourage women that it is okay to have a family.
For example, I was told from my previous job I would only be able to have 6 weeks. If I want to stay home more than 6 weeks, then there would not have been a position available for me anymore. That was and can be extremely stressful for moms! Now moms are working literally until the day they are giving birth because they want the “whole” 6 weeks with their baby.
Other countries realize the huge impact of a mom being able to have more time at home with their newborns so they allow maternity leave for up to year. That is realistic and that should be apart of the make America healthy again movement.