Maternity Benefits :A Topic No One Wants to Talk About

Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS)

7 years ago

Maternity benefits :A topic no one wants to talk about#MMM

Motherhood a profession?A job? A vocation?A blessing?
It’s all and some more.Mothers have the most profound effect on the child.It’s not me, but psychologists who say this.Children need their moms.
But families need to sustain themselves too.
SAHM is a luxury many can’t afford.

What society forgets is that everyone has a mother.Mother’s bring up nations, their leaders, their army men, their entrepreneur’s, everyone!If a nation continues to ignore the sacrifice women make to bring up the future citizen of the world you are missing the point.

My story

When I became a mommy my life underwent a 180 degree reset.I wanted to do everything I always wanted to do, but my first priority shifted from own happiness to baby’s health and happiness.

It’s a miracle how mothers across time and geographical borders want the same for their child

But I had another little bug to take care of.This bug was inside my brain.The weird nonstop talking part which wouldn’t let me give up trying.
The education and learning I have received.What kind of example will I set if I dont practice what I talked about ?
About being able to support me financially and socially.

It seemed impossible that I could continue having a career while I brought up the little one.

God intervened.
My Job as a medical teacher was God sent.
It’s flexible and helps both of us juggle baby work housework and professional duties without hair tearing worries.

When my baby was born, I was not in a Government service.I received no paid maternity leave.In fact at a job interview, an interviewer asked me about my plans for family planning!That gave me a jolt.That’s strange and discriminatory but stranger things happen.

Now things hopefully are changing.Laws are being made but are you aware of them?

I share a few of the key changes in the Indian Maternity Benefit Amendment bill and how it will affect you.

Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India
Key points in the MB Amendment Acts

Increased paid maternity leave (from the existing 12 weeks to 26 weeks).But for third or more pregnancy it is still 12 weeks
Work from home options.After the 26 weeks leave and depend on nature of work an agreement with the employer.
Option for adoptive mothers.Up to 12 weeks of leave from the day of adoption.
Creche benefits.Mandatory with up to 4 visits allowed during work hours.
The responsibility of the employer to educate the employee about her rights.

Some other countries with good Maternity benefits are:

Germany: Has sensible and kind rules for pregnant, nursing, mothers and also for child care benefits.
Canada and Norway allow 50 weeks and 44 weeks respectively as paid maternity leave.
The United Kingdom has excellent maternity benefits with up to 52 weeks leave.
But not so good in the USA.I was surprised to know they have the lowest levels of leave for mothers in the industrialized part of the world!

My thoughts :

Why would any country want a brain drain of successful, hardworking creative sincere women workforce ?

Women bring essential soft skills to a workplace which no man can.

A society which doesn’t appreciate women can never truly progress.

How can governments across the world deprive such a large section of the population to the right to a livelihood?

Do not think you cannot be financially independent without a job.You can do the same as an entrepreneur.

[bctt tweet=”When the going gets tough, you will discover superpowers!” username=”misra_amrita”]

You just have to believe.That’s my Word of the year.

You may have to work harder but you will be stronger.

Additional ideas and resources(will be updated)

Have a skill?Use Skillshare Udemy, Teachable, Etsy, Instamojo, to share your course, class and digital products. LinkedIn to network and create a professional circle.

Check out Inkwellteam an extraorservice force for global flexible work options connecting businesses with accomplished women !

Did you get maternity benefits?How do you think the Government can help families more?

Write in the comments below!

Writing this for #MondayMommyMoments.