Bill$ for Babie$

Hello readers, welcome to this edition of “What the Hell America.” As I continue to learn more about policy over here in the states, I become more and more baffled about how little we are doing to promote general well-being. For the reputation of “the land of opportunity,” I am disappointed to report that this is not a universal truth for all individuals in our country. Today we are going to talk about my favorite thing to fantasize about… motherhood. (Don’t worry mom and dad — I promise there won’t be any buns in the oven any time soon)

As most people who know me well could tell you, I love babies. I started babysitting at eleven years old and have continued babysitting consistently ever since. I truly believe I was meant to be a mom one day and I am completely comfortable with whatever means it takes for that to happen. Whether becoming a mom happens “naturally”, via in vitro fertilization, adoption, or foster parenting — I am excited for that chapter in my life no matter if I have a spouse or chose to do so on my own. However, as I become older and more realistic, I start to wonder how the heck women are able to stay afloat.

As if it weren’t already a load of bull that women in 2018 are still making around eighty cents to every man’s full dollar in nearly every occupation, there is still no formal policy or payment plan for mothers after having a baby according to The Institute for Women’s Policy Research. Currently, both men and women can apply for the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) after the birth or adoption of a new child. In doing so, the parent can receive twelve weeks of leave from their job with the safety of still having their position open when they are ready to return to work. However, no employer is required to pay his or her employee anything during this twelve-week period.

NEWSFLASH, having a baby is expensive. Besides needing a crib, diapers, wipes, clothes, blankets, and some contraptions to hold the baby while he or she is not in your arms; there are likely medical bills from delivery, follow up appointments for both mother and baby, a pump, bottles, and/or formula, and probably several other expenses that I am overlooking. This considering, I really am at a loss about how a person can afford to have a baby without any further aid — especially if this person does not have a partner to help cover costs.

To my surprise, the United States is only one of eight states without paid parental leave in the entire 193 participating states of United Nations. That being said, 185 lands of all different levels of wealth and opportunities seem to find value in providing aid for mothers in order to allow them the opportunity to be home with their child in the beginning stages of life. How can this be?

In almost every piece of psychological literature regarding child development, you will read about how important it is for children to bond with their caregiver. Erickson’s theory of development proposes that children work to overcome trust vs. mistrust during infancy. Attachment theory discusses the importance of both parent and baby feeling secure in their attachment. Piaget discusses object permanence. All of the evidence suggests that this time is necessary for both child and parent, yet there is minimal opportunities if a parent is unable to afford it. Parents may be forced to return to work sooner due to a lack of funds, which could compromise some of this crucial time of development and risk a woman’s own health and well-being. It seems very hypocritical that abortion is so highly stigmatized when we are asking women to give up their entire paycheck after delivering a baby. There are so few resources for women to even keep a roof over her head, let alone afford other basic needs for survival for both herself and her new baby.

There is no such thing as a perfect system but other countries are making the effort to help parents afford to stay home for some time after the birth of a new child. Business Insider reports that women in Australia are able to take time off before the delivery of a child AND are able to return to their same job after leaving work for up to twelve months. During that time, almost all women making below $150,000 have access to a weekly check of $695 for a maximum of eighteen weeks. Fathers can take two full weeks off and receive $695 a week, as well. In Ghana, women are able to take twelve to sixteen weeks off and receive the same salary as they were receiving prior to delivery. There are several other models of paid parental time off in various different countries — some better than others, but above all, there is some compensation for parents after having children. 185 states in the world are recognizing that parents need some type of supplemental income after a child is born.

Now, I certainly do not believe that women should be forced to take time off, nor should she be stigmatized for choosing to return to work. However, women should make that decision to return to work because of want, not because of necessity. Having a baby often disrupts the parents sleep schedule, can deplete a person’s energy, can be a shock to a women’s body and her hormones, and is a major life adjustment. No one should have to go through this without compensation.

While FMLA does allow eligible employees to take these twelve weeks with job security and continuing health benefits, this act surely needs revision to help cover costs during necessary time off. It is time that we stop viewing people as commodities and recognize the benefits of improving personal well-being. Being a new mom is a full time job. You are feeding, bathing, changing, and providing general care for another human being — similar to some health care careers. In some areas of the United States, a family member can be paid for providing care for a sick loved one yet there is no benefit for having a baby? FMLA must be revised or expanded to meet the needs of the people. As more households are requiring dual incomes to provide for the family, it is unreasonable to think all families should surrender an entire income for a period of time.

To all of the mommas out there, I am blown away by the selfless job you take on. From the time we are created in the womb, you give selflessly without anything in return… it shouldn’t have to be this way. From all of the babies out there, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for providing your time, your support, and your love without thinking twice. You are warriors and give us the tools so the next waves of mommas have it a bit better. You have the toughest and most thankless job. It is time for moms to be compensated. Let’s make it happen.