Maternity leave: Why it is important for working mothers

Did you know several hormonal changes occur after delivery, which can lead to postpartum depression in 10 - 15% of new mums?

If you are a working mum, the first question that strikes you as soon as you get pregnant is to get the facts right about maternity leave. Most women wonder about when is the right time to get back to work. Dr Sushma Tomar, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan says that every mother must seek sufficient maternity leaves as it is crucial for both the child and the mother. Here is why it is important for every working mum to take adequate maternity leave. Also read about how to spend more time with your child.

It goes without saying that getting back to work immediately after childbirth is a daunting task for a mother as it not only drains her physically but also affects her mentally. According to doctors, a woman must rest for a minimum of six weeks post delivery (if normal delivery without any complications) and more so if c-section. This is because, several hormonal changes occur postpartum, which can lead to postpartum depression in 10 - 15% of women. The drastic hormonal swings can cause a woman 's mood to change from happy-go-lucky to weighed down within seconds. Hence, it is imperative for every new mum to get sufficient rest at home post delivery before rejoining her office.

On the other hand, women who resume work shortly after childbirth are known to go through anxiety, depression and overall poor health. According to Dr Sushma Tomar, women who stay at home post-delivery and take sufficient maternity leave are less prone to developing mental health issues as opposed to those rejoining work commitments immediately after childbirth. Maternity leave also entails breastfeeding, which not only aids in the growth and nutrition of the baby but also builds an emotional bond between the mum and baby. Here are few health benefits of breastfeeding for the mother and baby.

*Note: On 11th August 2016, the Rajya Sabha passed an amendment to the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961. The new bill states that the period of maternity leaves would increase from 12 to 26 weeks, which was approved this year. The bill also proposed 12 weeks of leave to mothers who have adopted a child, below the age of three months and for commissioning mothers. The amended law also facilitates a work from home policy for mothers who are nursing, once the leave period ends. It has also made mandatory a cr che facility at establishments with over 50 women employees.

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