https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 11 Apr 2026 03:43:22 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it/page/2#post-78072 Sat, 18 Feb 2012 21:39:05 +0000 PennyLainne 78072@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@daniellemybelle: hey. Another Canadian here. They cannot legally give your position away. They cannot fire you or replace you. You see lots of jobs advertise for a temporary position to fill a mat leave. The only way you can lose your job while on mat leave is if the company goes out of business. I was just reading up on it and they Have to guarantee you your position back. And if they don't, legally they will be in a ton of trouble. </p> <p>To be eligible you need to have worked there for 52 months. It also includes part time and full time. I think there were some other requirements. And for the EI part of it you must have logged at least 600 hours prior to you taking leave, to be eligible. </p> <p>I am definitely taking my 1 year. I do not plan on returning to my current job. I hope to find something either part time or something I can do from home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it/page/2#post-77999 Sat, 18 Feb 2012 18:49:43 +0000 Mrs.M57 77999@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a job that I greatly enjoy, but would definitely jump at this chance! As for paying higher taxes in order to make possible, I personally wouldn't mind, spending that extra time with my baby would be way worth it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it/page/2#post-77777 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:29:14 +0000 PitBulLover 77777@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, I would. Even though I don't have children now I know that I would love to be a SAHM. Maybe if I had a job I loved I'd feel differently? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it/page/2#post-77723 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:31:23 +0000 aunt pol 77723@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so glad I'm not over there with you guys! I'm sure the cost of actually having twins would probably break me financially, and if it didn't the emotional and mental cost of going back to work after only six weeks probably would! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it/page/2#post-77720 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:28:03 +0000 His Barista 77720@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would def take more than the 8 weeks I am taking now! I wish that we had more time. I mean I don't know how long I would take for sure. I am really social, so idk if I would take the whole time or not. But the option would be amazing to have. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it/page/2#post-77687 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:50:23 +0000 littlebug 77687@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would probably take 6 months, but I don't think I could be a SAHM for very long. I like my job and I love the interactions with my coworkers. And I agree with you, @yoursilverlining and @nskillet! I'll take the higher taxes for better benefits! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it/page/2#post-77605 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:22:50 +0000 Kemma 77605@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@daniellemybelle: In New Zealand a replacement is hired on a fixed term basis until the Parent returns to work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it/page/2#post-77335 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:59:33 +0000 aunt pol 77335@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our tax rates (Ireland) are 21 and 41%, anyway, and I think the uk is roughly similar? My husband is self employed so it's something I'll have to learn a lot more about.</p> <p>For that tax take, we have free education up to third level, when fees are charged but at the moment it's roughly €2500 per year- say $3000? And there's a grant system in place for those students whose family income is below a certain threshold.<br /> For maternity care, I don't have to pay anything if I'm content to stay on a ward rather than have a single room ( which is charged at about €1100 per night) . All of my scans, consultant appointments and any gp appointments relating to my pregnancy are covered.<br /> Granted the system has huge problems- economic circumstances have lead to cutbacks so staff shortages in schools and hospitals are an issue, but overall it's pretty good. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it/page/2#post-77332 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:58:07 +0000 yoursilverlining 77332@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Nskillet: Preach it sister!! :D </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it/page/2#post-77329 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:47:49 +0000 Nskillet 77329@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yoursilverlining my points exactly! I'm paying 30% for what exactly? A senate/house that does nothing, a corporate controlled society that pays itself when it fails, wars in foriegn countries under the guise of "spreading democracy", expensive medical insurance I STILL pay large amounts out of pocket for and no parental benefits/time really to ENJOY my slice of the American dream which after cost of living/education is seriously less than other countries. </p> <p>I don't mean to politicize this thread, I just can't help myself! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it/page/2#post-77327 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:46:41 +0000 mrs. tictactoe 77327@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Since I haven't experienced daily life with a baby yet, I guess I don't really know, but as of now, I'd say HECK YEAH! I'm already sad about having to leave baby TTT at 4.5 months to go back to work and I hope everyday for some miracle big time raise/promotion for Mr. TTT so that I can be a SAHM. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it/page/2#post-77323 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:33:33 +0000 plantains 77323@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I get 6 months off and I am definitely taking it all. It isn't all paid, I think I'm paid something for around 4.5 months but I'll take it anyway. I am lucky because that much leave is unheard of in NYC, but I'm in a unique (British) system so it works out.</p> <p>I have to say, when you factor in state taxes etc, people in my bracket are paying roughly what they would in the UK with almost nothing to show for it. It is pretty sad. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it/page/2#post-77320 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:31:38 +0000 yoursilverlining 77320@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Nskillet: Agreed. I pay at almost a 30% tax rate as it is and get NO government paid maternity coverage. So if I pay an extra 10% or so in taxes, I would get 6 months or a year PAID coverage? And my husband would also get paid time off? And paid health insurance? And all sorts of other benefits? Ugh, sign me up! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it/page/2#post-77309 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:21:52 +0000 Nskillet 77309@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What shocks me most about American ideology about taxes is that all anyone cares about is the flat rate or an increase instead of thinking of what we would get for it. I also find is rather disturbing that Americans tend to live very self centered lives and not think really about the betterment of society but about what it would cost them as individuals.</p> <p>I am American and fortunate enough to get 100% pay for about 8 weeks. I plan on taking 12 total of we can truly afford it. I feel so jealous when I read about other countries and their parental benefits. Women in the states get next to nothing and men REALLY get nothing here. It bothers me how much of a business focused country we are when so many others seem citizen and family focused. It also bothers me when our politicians claim we are the greatest society on earth yet all anyone does is complain about taking care of one another and themselves at this point.</p> <p>If we were offered a year I'd split it with my spouse. We both would love to take time to be with our daughter during her first year. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it/page/2#post-77304 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:20:24 +0000 mrsjyw 77304@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would take it solely for the fact that it is a limited time frame and you can't get another chance at the first year of your baby's life. I would most def go back after the year though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it/page/2#post-77232 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:44:29 +0000 aunt pol 77232@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm fairly sure it's six months at full pay here (Ireland) and then you have the option of a further six months unpaid. I know one friend, who teaches high school, is due at the end of June. Her husband has just finished all of his courses etc to teach also, so they're hoping he can get a full time position starting September which would allow her stay home after her return date at the end of January. Our taxes aren't terribly high. It's really a case of getting what you pay for. As far as I know the Scandinavian countries tend to have the highest taxes, but it goes with an excellent standard of living, wonderful entitlements and excellent healthcare. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it/page/2#post-77228 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:42:47 +0000 LuLu Mom 77228@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would for sure, half of that is because I'm not necessarily that happy with my job right now, and the second half having that bonding time would be amazing. Although I think it would be very hard for me to go back after a year off. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it#post-77223 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:39:05 +0000 daniellemybelle 77223@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@prettylizy: @cupcakemama: So interesting! Who does the work for the year that the moms are gone? And what happens to them when she returns? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it#post-77222 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:38:47 +0000 mrs. wagon 77222@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Having been a SAHM for 18 months, I'd probably take 6 months (or however long the baby nurses). Once the baby was weaned and crawling, I'd want to go back to work and put the baby in daycare. I like the social aspect and the structure that daycare instills, and I didn't really enjoy being a SAHM. I'd rather make money and pay someone else to do it after I'm done nursing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it#post-77219 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:36:57 +0000 CameronsMomma 77219@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Rubies: I'm on it now, it's for sure 55%, but you'd make more on EI if they'll fire you instead!</p> <p>I'm taking my full leave and hopefully not going back to where I was before. I'll be looking for something else starting in Sept/Oct even though I have until Nov 24th. I do need to find out how much I can earn besides my mat leave though because at some point in the summer I'd like to start working part time for maybe one or two shifts per week to earn some extra cash to start saving for daycare. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it#post-77217 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:35:48 +0000 mamabolt 77217@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's hard to think about taking that much time off since it's not the norm in the US right now, so I just feel a lot of guilt that I would be leaving my coworkers inthe lurch for that long. But if it was the standard, and my company would be hiring a temp to replace me, it would be easier to consider. I'd love to take six months off, long enough for baby to be a little older and sleeping better so I knew I could be more functional at work. I'm terrified of how I'm going ot function going back at 12 weeks, but I guess I'll find out in September... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it#post-77151 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:37:35 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 77151@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would take it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it#post-77147 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:14:01 +0000 redboots 77147@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I guess we are quite lucky in Canada that our jobs are very much protected while we are on maternity leave. I know it seems like raking 12 months away is a career limiting move but our laws in Canada really protect moms/dads who take the time off. Most people take 12 months. I am grateful I have this option and I will be taking full advantage of it. I hope one day are US friends have that option as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it#post-77120 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 04:18:26 +0000 j0s1e267 77120@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am not cut out to be a SAHM, work is like my ME time. But I would love the option of 1 year maternity. With my first, I was ready to go back to work at around 4 months. This time around, I have been away for 4 months now and don't feel quite ready to go back yet .... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it#post-77107 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:00:20 +0000 looch 77107@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am not sure I understand what people feel like they'd be missing by taking a year off of work...it's kind of like when you switch jobs and go to a new company, essentially, you start from nothing again, having to learn systems and policies. You're not born with your job's skills, you have to learn them, so for me, it's not a big deal to be away from work, as long as you keep your mind and skills active.</p> <p>Here it is common to go on a sabbatical (fully paid) for three months after 10 years of service at a company. Between jobs, people routinely take 3 months off to travel. It's a totally different attitude in Europe. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it#post-77094 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:53:08 +0000 Kemma 77094@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Without sounding horribly judgemental or referring specifically to any of the posts above, I can't believe that so many women woudn't take the opportunity to spend twelve months at home with their baby (particularly when paid).</p> <p>I can understand those with "careers" that require hours worked to continue professional registration etc (Ie nurses, physio's etc), but for people like me just working admin jobs, I would be taking the maximum entitlement.</p> <p>For me personally, I'm in New Zealand and I'm entitled to fourteen weeks of paid leave (paid at about 60% of my salary) plus a further 38 weeks of unpaid leave (total of 52 weeks) and my employer has to legally keep my position open for me. As it stands I'm not intending to return to work once my twelve months is up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it#post-77082 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:08:20 +0000 SugarplumsMom 77082@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In Sweden, at least one parent has to stay with the baby for the 1st year because daycare won't admit any child younger than that. We get 16 months (480 days) paid at around 80% (or so) for the first 390 days - to divided amongst the both parents with a dedicated 60 days to each parent plus 10 days to the father immediately at birth. It's a little complicated and I know the law has slight differences when written in Swedish as opposed to what's written in articles online in English.</p> <p>But it's a heck of a lot of leave and no one takes it all at once. We have the right to take leave until a child is 7, so you can essentially add on to your vacation days each year until then (if all goes smoothly). We also automatically get a small contribution (a form of allowance for the child) until s/he is 12 (?) </p> <p>It sounds too good to be true, but we pay for it through taxes. From what I understand, we pay taxes on top of it (we get taxed for the contributions). </p> <p>Everyone's entitled to it. What I love the most is that the companies don't penalize you for taking leave. For instance, my husband's new boss has been gone for a year on paternal leave and he's had a few more that were gone for long stretches at a time, all men. </p> <p>It truly allows fathers to have an active role in their babies lives. And it was actually a main selling point for us settling here (it was literally in all their literature at the embassy)! If the system was similar in the States, I would be booking a flight now. But again, it's like this because we pay for it -- I highly doubt that everyone would be in favor of that in the States. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it#post-77077 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:30:18 +0000 Grace 77077@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm in Canada and I'll be taking the first 9 months and DH will take the last three. I'm so glad that we get a year here, only have to do super-expensive daycare for a year (rates are higher for kids under 2), no pumping, hopefully they are much better sleepers by that age and I'll be home with them for a lot of their "firsts". And it's really no problem here catching up once you get back to work- lots of my co-workers have done it and it's no big deal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it#post-77074 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:12:03 +0000 joyjoy 77074@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would like the option to be out that long, but in my field, I'd be afraid of being out that long. I think I'd like the option of 6mo paid maternity leave, then part time until the full year. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-the-us-offered-paid-maternity-leave-for-one-year-would-you-take-it#post-77072 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:06:29 +0000 skibobrown 77072@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd love to! In reality though, I'd probably only take 6 months. In my career, I think being away from my job for any more than 6 months would essentially be career suicide. </p>