Create a conducive environment for raising families

[Kkon (Kelsey)]

Declining birth rates have been on the horizon and families struggle to rationalize raising children in tough conditions that we now face today. With absurd childcare costs, stress of the mother to work, the mental and physical toll it takes on the family to raise healthy children, the effort seems too daunting for young families to take on. America needs to raise their standards for creating conducive environments that would encourage families to grow. Companies should be mandated to pay out full maternity leave, even if it is 3 months, hopefully it can increase to the level of other countries that have 6 months to a year maternity leave. Fathers should be granted a mandated time period as well. There needs to be more affordable childcare. More affordable health care and support for women postpartum that goes beyond the six weeks. Reduce the barriers of insurance companies restricting basic needs for maternal support. Make FSA and HSA usable for lactation support, postpartum care beyond 6 week check up, infant care, and everyday baby item consumption. Some are covered but majority is not considered applicable even though parents put their money into these accounts to prepare for a new child hoping to reduce the cost but instead faced with more restriction. If a mother decides to use a midwife and pays insurance, that insurance should offer coverage for the midwife option, because they are paying into insurance but are forced to pay out of pocket based on a personal preference they feel is the best for their family.