Dear United States of America/President Obama/Congress, etc.,
Do you really believe eight weeks of maternity leave is really the best you can do? Really? Because I am in no way ready to return to work next week. Neither is my infant. I am lucky enough to have a family member watch her, but if I wasn’t so lucky, I’d be dropping this tiny girl off with a stranger. A stranger who also has 6 other kids to tend to. Is that not ridiculous? Hi! Here’s my precious baby who is fragile and needy and loves to snuggle. Promise you won’t hurt her? Promise you’ll wash her binky if one of the other kids touch it? Promise you’ll warm her bottles up? Yes? Ok, let’s shake on it and I’ll be on my way. See you in eight hours.
A woman I work with is originally from Iraq and when she gave birth to her daughter she was given FIVE YEARS of maternity leave. Iraq. We make you wear a veil over your face and give you no rights, but damn, eight weeks of maternity leave is just barbaric.
We really need a change. I have no clue where to begin that change but my gosh, this is just not good enough.
Signed,
-A working mama
Dear Job,
I come back to you on Wednesday. I don’t want to and I’m not ready. Be nice to me and don’t ask me what’s wrong when random times throughout the day my eyes get watery and my face turns red. No, I don’t have allergies.
Signed,
-Employee 149
Dear Husband,
Wednesday is the day you know I dread so much. Time to leave P for the first time and B yet again. I’m more worried for him than I am her, honestly. Be prepared for tears from all three of us. If you get tired of hearing me whine, remember just how difficult this is for me. I can’t tell you how long it will take for me to adjust.
Love,
Your wife
Dear Paityn & Brady,
I’m sorry. If there was any way for me to spend all my days with the two of you, believe me, I would. But back to work I must go. I mean, you guys like food, yes? Running water? Yea, me too. Remember those important things if you get sad. And that Mama loves you.
Love,
-Mama
Sher Bailey is a writer in the Midwest who believes the power of humor, Mod Podge, and grandkids can fix most problems in life. You can find her at SherBailey.com.
Shannon says
SOrry you have to go back to work already, that sucks.
I only got 6 weeks off even though I had a Csection and even though my son was in the NICU for a week so really only 5 weeks with him at home. It’s ridiculous. I told my husband I want to move to Canada before the next kid b/c they get a year maternity leave!
The Kinards! says
Ugh..i know its SO hard to leave them!!!! I agree, there’s GOT to be a change!!
Lindsey says
You will do great Mama! Hang in there. I know it is hard. We were in the car today and Connor requested to go see his baby-sitter. He gets confused with being home with me during the summer. He LOVES going to her and remember it is great for kids to get out and socialize! Good luck Wednesday. I will be thinking about you!
Sarah Marie Glaser says
I am SO sorry girl, it must be so hard leaving your newborn this early in her life. My firm is too small for FMLA to be in effect, and our firm only gives SIX WEEKS off, and at only 75% pay!! Something needs to change, our country is not very nurturing to its newest members. 🙁
You’re doing a brave thing by going back to work and the mamas out there are proud of you!
Now is as good a time as ever to tell you that I love your blog. Keep up the good work! ~Sarah
chezglaser.blogspot.com
Christy says
I completely agree! My work is too small for FMLA and none of it is paid. I have hinted I want to take more than the 6 weeks I took with my first one for my next one and they seemed less than impressed. We’ll see, but I agree 6-12 weeks is way to short of time!
Brandy says
Oh I know how hard it is to leave them, especially when they’re tiny. You can do this, girl.
krystal says
Leaving the little ones behind is the worst. Stay strong mama!
How sweet it is says
i completly agree! Really thats the best they can do?? I found you through the link up and love your blog! Your babies are precious.
Lucy Marie says
Sending many prayers for you this week, friend.
beka says
I’m so sorry for the sadness I could hear in this post 🙁 You’re still mama even when you’re not with them. I know there’s nothing that can really be said to ease the pain of this week – but I hope it goes as well as possible.
Be kind to yourself.
Sarah says
I hope your work days are getting easier. Mine did. And then they got harder but those days are farther between.
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