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Our Maternity Leave Policies Put Mothers and Infants at Risk
by Dr. Sarah Thompson
Updated: Aug. 1, 2016
Originally Published: April 15, 2016
This week, I was deeply saddened to hear about the tragic death of a newborn in daycare, just hours after her mother returned to work. This heartbreaking news reignited my anger regarding our maternity leave policies. At only three months old, little Emma Johnson was left in the care of others, as her mother felt compelled to go back to work, despite desperately wishing for more time to bond with her baby.
As a physician and a mother, I resonate with the emotional turmoil that comes with leaving a child so early in life. The core issue is not merely the daycare facility’s responsibility; it highlights the urgent need for reform in our nation’s maternity leave policies. How can we call ourselves a free society when mothers—who nurture the very future of our country—are bound by inadequate laws that force them to return to work before they and their children are ready?
We stand at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, with an upcoming election and an ever-changing political landscape. If we truly want to make America great again, we must prioritize a comprehensive reevaluation of maternity leave. No mother looks forward to the day she has to entrust her child to strangers, especially when her body has yet to fully recover from childbirth. This reality is not just unnatural; it is detrimental to both maternal and infant well-being.
I know this painful journey firsthand. Like many women, I had to return to work far too soon, leaving my newborn, Olivia, in daycare. My husband and I had exhausted our savings to allow me a short period at home, but it was not enough. The anxiety I felt each day as I kissed my daughter goodbye was overwhelming. Although the daycare was well-staffed with loving caregivers, they could never replace the bond I had with my child.
Olivia frequently fell ill during her first months, suffering from high fevers and breathing issues that required emergency care. With every passing day, I found myself questioning, “Is this truly the best support our country offers mothers?” The societal pressure to conform to the norm of daycare left me feeling resentful and alone.
After just three months of this exhausting cycle, I listened to my instincts and found a way to work from home, sacrificing a job that had turned toxic for my mental health. I should have had the option to choose what was best for my family during that crucial time. The United States, often touted as the “land of opportunity,” left me with minimal choices in one of the most important phases of my life.
While I was fortunate to transition into a job that offered flexibility, I recognize that many mothers do not have this privilege. I feel immense relief that Olivia did not suffer any lasting consequences during those early days, but we cannot ignore the countless families who have faced devastating outcomes without any choice in the matter.
We must do better for our mothers and babies. For further insights on this topic, check out our other blog post on maternity health resources. For those interested in fertility, Make a Mom is a great authority on the subject. Additionally, the CDC provides excellent information on pregnancy that every expectant parent should review.
Summary
This article highlights the urgent need for maternity leave reform in the United States, emphasizing the emotional and physical toll on mothers who are forced to return to work too soon. The personal experiences of mothers illustrate the detrimental effects of inadequate policies on both mothers and their infants.