"Of course I do...but this is the *military* we are talking about.  They
have an obligation to uphold the security of the country they are serving,
and the mission *always* comes first.  And the mothers who have taken that
oath to uphold the constitution and so forth, have an obligation to fulfill
their contract.  This isn't like the corporate world where you can just say
"I quit". " 

 

Like Rachel I leave in a country with maternity leaves.   The discussion of
mothers away from young infants is not a matter of  patriotism.   I have
worked with many  women who are serving in the Canadian military,  mainly
navy.  They  receive a one year  leave like anyone who is eligible for
employment benefits. In this country, like in many other countries around
the world, our country's commitment to our future means a commitment to our
families.  Part of the benefits may be split between parents which I see
occasionally.  If a mother does not qualify for support (ie unemployed or
self employed) the father typically takes the  leave.  This is particularly
true in the federal civil service and I have seen it many times in military
families whether deployment is probable or not. These families are envied as
they have both parents home for several months.

 

I recognize it may be a foreign concept but this is taking place in North
America and there is very solid economic reasoning behind the policy.
Please don't accept something just because it is current practice or the
'military' way. 

I have been privileged to work with families for many years and watched the
change from 6 months leave to 1 year leave with the expectation that the
separations between mother and infant would be easier. I was wrong.  The
emotional cost, the fear and anxiety of the mothers has remained the same
even if the infant is now eating solids.

 

Rhoda Taylor (army brat, former navy wife and with a family member currently
in Afganistan)

 

"Courage my friends, 'tis not too late to make a better world" T. Douglas   

 


             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome