I propose nationwide parental leave that is employer/ government funded at the same salary that the person is making prior to going on parental leave. There should be more bonding time with between a parent and a baby after birth. There are women who can only take two weeks off or even a month off and have to go back to work. The stress a mother feels about leaving a baby that she has carried for 9 months is incomprehensible except for those that have actually done it. Furthermore, when discrimation occurs, those disputes take years to resolve. This should be a minimum of 6 months.
Also, there should be more midwives who can assist a woman in giving birth. Birth is a natural process and interventions should be done only when necessary. These midwives should be with the mom prior to birth, during birth, and after birth to assist in the family transition. The only people who get to have this are women in Europe as well as women who can pay for a night nurse or a home birth out of pocket. All women should be able to have the type of birth they desire and only have interventions when necessary. This would also decrease the birth trauma for women. Birth stories should be amazing and not traumatic and terrifying. Assistance after having a baby is key to having a successful transition into a family.
I also propose a promotion of breastfeeding by the government and a pursuit of training more ibilc certified lactation consultants, who can assist moms in being able to breastfeed their babies.
I also propose nationwide breastmilk banks where women can donate their milk. One of the best gifts a mother can give her child is breastmilk and studies have shown that it increases long term health and IQ. Pediatricians are funded by the formula companies and thus promote them. They do not have the skill set to help moms in breastfeeding but are the first ones to push formula. There are many moms that do not know where to go for help. That needs to change.