Hello all,

I just wanted to make a few clarifications to choices--moms who  
return to work.  In the U.S., women are only allowed 6 weeks for  
maternity leave.  Some are fortunate to work for a company who may  
give them more time, or they can take sick and/or vacation time with  
it.  Many women do not have a choice, especially single moms.

I spent half my life in Hawaii.  The cost of paradise is a high cost  
of living.  Most families need the dual income just to survive--not  
to have extras.

Active duty in the military.  For the enlisted women in the Air  
Force, they are given the choice at 20 weeks into their pregnancy to  
get out of the military.  Some women do not realize how they will  
feel until the first time they hold their baby.  If they made the  
decision to stay in the military, they are stuck until their current  
enlistment is up.  Officers do not get a choice---normally a lot of  
money was spent on their education, and they owe the Air Force a  
certain amount of time in exchange.  I think this is probably similar  
for all branches of the U.S. military.  I have been a shoulder to cry  
on for many moms who were being deployed once their babies turned 4  
months old.

I was fortunate to be able to live for three years in Italy.  Women  
in Italy get 3 months maternity leave with full pay.  If they decide  
to stay out another 3 months, they will get half pay, they can stay  
home the remainder of the year without pay, but guaranteed to have  
their job when they return.

Unfortunately, not all women have choices.

Kind Regards,
Gloria Thai, freezing in Va and fortunate to have the choice to be  
home with my children.

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