"Who chose the Maternity Leave 6-8 weeks and why does Sweden have a year paid off? Did we as Mothers have a decision in this??"

[Love-Mommy]

There are many other countries in Europe that have quite extensive Maternity Leave.  I want to know who chose 6-8 weeks and where is our vote on that??  I am sure every single mother in this "free" democratic country of ours would vote for a year off just like other countries have.  We need to take a stand!!  The U.S. is listed along with New Zealand, Swaziland, Papua New Guinea, and Switzerland who do not offer Maternity Leave.  Sweden on the other hand, offers a full year maternity leave with the option of returning to work after a year part-time with paid benefits until your child is in school.  The Government offers help with Daycare  as well.  So why are we so greedy with Maternity Leave Pay yet we pay billions to fight wars.  Much of Europe offers 16-20 weeks of maternity leave as well. Canada also has quite an extensive maternity leave. Did you know that Italy closes it's doors to majority of businesses during the month of August every year so people can spend time with their families.  When did family become so unimportant??  We need to take a stand and speak up for OUR RIGHTS as mothers.  We need to care enough about our children to stand  up to these laws.

[Wow2boyz]

Aug. 2, 2008 at 1:42 PM

wow this is great information!! I didn't realize the US is so greedy about maternity leave. I only got 3 weeks paid leave with my first son!! I was so depressed when I had to leave my newborn son to go back to work after 3 weeks. Then when my 2nd son was born, we decided that I needed to stay home with our boys.  I couldn't imagine a full year off to be with baby!! it would be wonderful for many mothers.