Maternity Leave

Introduction: What Have We Done to Our Daughters? Maternity Leave-An Unresolved Conversation? Are Maternity Leave Expectations and Realities Mismatched? References Background: Understanding the Legislative Intent and Symbolism of Public Policies In the Beginning: The Pregnancy Discrimination Act The Tax Code and Child Care and Child Tax Credits The Promises and Problems of the Family and Medical Leave Act The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act The Economic, Social, and Symbolic Implications of Maternity Leave Policies Appendix References The Evolution and Devolution of Maternity Leave as an Employee Benefit Trends in Birthrates, Fertility Rates, Employment Patterns, and Use of Maternity Leave Benefits Types of Maternity Leave Taken-Paid and Unpaid Types of Paternity and Parental Leave Policies Examples of Maternity Leave Policies Antenatal Leave and Short-Term Disability Leave No Leave and Permanent Exit from the Workplace References Women's Health Care and the Workplace Health Insurance for Women of Childbearing Age Fertility Issues Intended and Unintended Pregnancies Pregnancy and Work Pregnancy and Factors Impacting Infant Mortality Delivery Maternity Leave and Infant Mortality Mother's Return to Work and Breast-Feeding Well-Baby Doctor Visits Postpartum Issues Optimal Length of Maternity Leave The Baby's Perspective The Need for a Holistic Approach to Women's Health References Research Approach The Methodology: Why Qualitative Research? Analysis of the Interviews Study Limitations The Participants: Who Are These Women? Description of the In-Depth Interview Questions References The Interviews: Profiles of Women and Their Perceptions and Experiences Employees of Public Universities Employees of Private Universities Employees of the Pharmaceutical Industry References The Themes: How Women Cope with the Myths and Realities of Maternity Leave Inconsistencies in Administration of Maternity Leave Policies It Is All in the Timing Transition Back to Work Child Care Breast-Feeding, Pumping, and the Workplace Unmet Needs and Professional Concerns The Other Voices Students Who Are Mothers: Is It Better to Have Children at a Younger Age? Fathers Who Utilized Paternity Leave Challenges Faced by Same-Sex Couples Who Decide to Become Parents Women Who Decided Not to Have Children Unsupportive versus Supportive Colleagues-The Stereotypes and Biases Administrative Views-Rules versus Discretion Appendix References An International Comparison-The Other Kingdoms What Maternity Leave, Paternity Leave, and Parental Leave Benefits Are Offered in Other Countries? Why Is the United States Lagging behind Other Countries in Providing Maternity Leave Benefits? References Conclusion: Can the Fairy Tale Be Realized or Should It Be Rewritten? What Are the Obstacles to a Happy Ending for Our Daughters? What Can We Reasonably Expect to Change within Our Organizations? What Is Best for Society? Restoring the Fairy Tale References Index