Thanks, Rachel, for pointing out so well how out of touch the US is
with the rest of the world (the norm) when it comes to maternity
leave, etc.  It does seen ironic, even sad, when there is so much
emotional output for one phase of the life cycle while ignoring the
needs of the next phase.  I think a big part of the problem stems
from the "equal has to mean identical" mentality.  Offering things
like extended maternity leave (even the term extended here indicates
a misplaced norm) or even time or facilities to pump at work are
seen as giving an advantage to women that isn't given to men.  No
thought to the fact that the one who really benefits is the baby!
While some might argue with some aspects of the "it takes a village
to raise a child" idea, I think we have to recognize that assuring a
healthy next generation benefits everyone.  There has been some
publicity recently about organizations of "child-free" adults
complaining that they wind up paying for benefits to those who chose
to have children and they shouldn't have to support because they
choose not to have children.  This includes schools, parental
leaves, etc.  Just who do they think is going to take care of them
in their old age?  Who will be the travel agents, resort personnel,
etc to help them with their high lifestyle since they haven't
"wasted" money raising children?  How the next generation is raised,
and that certainly includes giving them the best possible start by
breastfeeding, will affect every one of us, not just those who are
the parents of that generation!!!
Winnie Mading

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