Are moms happier than they used to be?

If you combine the California State Paid Family leave with the Federal Family and Medical Act you can get a grand total of 18 weeks (4.5 months) in total when you adopt or have a baby.  The UK as of February 2010, was discussing that 39 weeks paid in part (6 weeks at 90% of pay and 33 weeks at 55% of pay) should become 20 weeks paid in full at a minimum.  Spain just passed a law stating that both moms and dads could leave work for an hour during the day in the first nine months to support breastfeeding by recognizing that women need their husbands through this journey. One of the most progressive countries is Bulgaria who gives out 1 year paid at 100% and this can be taken by the mother, father, or grandparent. It’s difficult to conceive in a country that leads the world in so many other areas, that we are so behind in this one.

At 18 weeks your baby is still breastfeeding about six times a day, not sleeping through the night (which means you aren’t either), and just barely aware that they have hands and feet.  One hundred years ago, there would be no question about the mother being at home 24 hours a day to cater to their child’s every whim and they did so for the most part not only willingly but lovingly.  In the late 20^th century women gained their right to work on equal terms with men, and today many women chose to return to work after having their baby, or feel that financially they must.  But are moms happier today than they were one hundred years ago?

Tags: Working Moms