I like Diane's idea about lengthening leaves by simply stating that you are
taking an extra week, or whatever.  However, the problem for all too many
women is that economics force them back.  Most mothers would love to stay
home longer, but they need the paycheck. This is why I am so envious about
the maternity leave policies in other countries.  Their family leave
policies are backed by fiscal subsidies that make this economically
feasible. What we are failing to do in the US is to collectively make the
point that the contribution of our milk, the effect of that milk on reducing
medical costs for these babies, replacement costs of formula, environmental
costs of producing and disposing of the waste from formula (packaging, etc)
has economic implication.  There are now some valuation figures.  Why aren't
we at the table pointing out our value to the Gross National Product and
demanding our share of the decision making when it comes to policy matters
regarding maternal leave?

Just to muddy the water further, I worked once with a brilliant doctor who
was the only person in her city in her particular medical specialty
(involving neurology).  She went back to work far earlier than she wanted to
because of the critical shortage of care her absence created.  So women have
these complicated lives...

Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Austin Lactation Associates
LactNews Press
www.lactnews.com

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