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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

@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.

I don't mean to politicize this thread, I just can't help myself!

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.

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.
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.
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.

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!

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!

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!