US Maternity Leave is a Joke

I’m 33 weeks and preparing everything for my FMLA/STD before my baby is born. This is my first baby and I’m new to this whole process. I knew maternity leave was pretty shitty but WOW I didn’t know it was this bad. I get 6 weeks of paid leave at a fraction of my salary BUT the first two weeks are unpaid so really it’s only 4 weeks at a percentage of my pay.

Thankfully my husband and I are in a financial position where this doesn’t affect us that much but I cannot imagine if it were otherwise. Only having 6 weeks with your newborn is heartbreaking. I know having a kid is a choice (sometimes) but why does it have to be treated like a punishment for working moms/dads/parents? Why is paternity leave so rare? Yes, it’s wonderful that I am guaranteed my job back but telling me that bonding time with my newborn is not a medical necessity is a little insensitive.

That’s it, I’m moving to Europe lol.

#rantover