Introduction
The process of bringing a baby into the world and raising it to attain cognitive age is one of nature’s most exciting marvels. Many parents cherish that process and for that reason maternity leaves have been in existence since the early days of civilization. Though the length of maternity leave may vary from one country or state to another, this type of leave is formally recognized in many constitutions. Apart from maternity leave, paternity leave-a relatively new aspect to natal care, is rapidly gaining root. While maternity leaves make absolute sense, a lot of controversy characterizes paternity leaves. Is it really necessary for the father to leave work to be with his spouse during pregnancy and after childbirth? It is necessary but some dynamics paternity leaves have to be borne in mind.
The reasons fronted for paternity leaves are dissimilar from those given for maternity leaves. An expectant woman is given time during the late stages of pregnancy because biologically they need ample time to rest and prepare psychologically and physically for the delivery of their baby/babies (Ingólfur & Björk, 12). After delivery, the mother needs time to heal, rest, regain strength, nurse and bond with the delicate baby. This therefore necessitates maternity leaves. Paternity leaves on the other hand have emotional importance since the father’s body is not in any way recuperating from any physical strain (Pleck, 21). According to Ingólfur and Björk, this aspect obscures the necessity for paternity leaves (12). Though the man may not be recuperating physically, paternity leaves allows a father time to take care of his expectant spouse and for him to bond with his child after it is born (Folbre, 17). He can also take care of his spouse as she recuperates from delivery. In as much as this role of fathers is important, it can be played by a domestic helper, a relative or any other person close to the mother.
Paternity leaves should be allowed as they lead to stronger and healthier families. When an expectant woman has her spouse with her during pregnancy, delivery and afterwards, they feel relaxed and more loved which increases the bonding between the parents (nhs.uk, 2013). Moreover, when the father and the mother spend more time together communication is enhanced leading to healthier and stronger relationships. According to Folbre, children who grow up in such an atmosphere are likely to grow up into wholesome individuals who are emotionally healthier (18). Moreover, such children are likely to replicate what they saw in their parents when they grow up and time comes for them to form families. This leads to healthier and more loving societies.
This truth is however countered by the presence of irresponsible fathers who instead of being there for their spouses during paternity leaves, they take that time to hang out with their friends and take up detrimental habits such as gambling, clubbing and alcoholism (Pleck, 20). In this case, there is increased strife in the family and it could lead to break ups. Bearing in mind the situation that such a man’s spouse is in, this scenario can be very heartbreaking.
Paternity leaves enhance equality between genders. When women get maternity leaves, fathers continue working and to some, this is unfair. The man is an equal to the woman and if the father and the mother are to bring up their children jointly, then the father deserves to get time off work to bond with his children in the same manner as the woman (Folbre, 22). Absolute equality such as the one envisaged by proponents of paternity leaves is a mirage. Nature has carved a path for maternity that is different from that of paternity. While both a father and a mother to a newborn can wash, cloth and play with their baby, suckling is a duty exclusive to the mother (Folbre, 22). This duty can be adequately fulfilled regardless of the father’s presence. Times are fast changing and fathers can now feed their children using stored breast milk. Even then, there is a twist to this issue and the man plays a remote secondary role which anybody else can fulfill. In as much as paternity leaves bring about equality, there are still some natural aspects that the sought equality can never meet.
Paternity leaves are vital because the expectant woman is assured of reliable care from a person they love. This is especially important for the mental wellness of the mother. In case there is an emergency during pregnancy for instance an accidental fall, injury or any form of complication, the father will be available to attend to that emergency. This assurance gives the woman peace of mind during the stressing periods of pregnancy. Although some other person can assist an expectant lady during pregnancy, it is her spouse who is best suited to provide the best care (tuc.org.uk, 2013). Such care could however be hampered if the father is handicapped say for instance he is blind, confined to a wheel chair among other conditions. In such cases, the father’s role during paternity leave is limited to providing emotional support to his spouse which is also vital.
Paternity leaves gives fathers time to experience the joy of parenthood. The father gets to enjoy feeding, bathing, clothing and soothing their children. This has the effect of making the father feel that is indeed part of the growing baby’s life. In addition, it relieves the mother these chores which she may tire of doing. The mother gets time to herself, to take care of personal matters and rejuvenate from the overwhelming demands that come with motherhood. In cases where the mother may be suffering from post-partum depression, the presence of her spouse could translate to quicker recovery and appropriate care for the child (Pleck, 21).
Paternity leave could also relieve the mother of time and she can resume her work without worrying too much about childcare. In an era of tough economic times flexibility among spouses that allows them to make money to raise their family is always a welcome move.
Conclusion
The importance of maternity leaves has rarely come under scrutiny but the recent trend where fathers are granted paternity leaves has. Though men are not physically involved in carrying a pregnancy to term, delivery or aspects such as suckling their presence during pregnancy, delivery and the initial stages after child birth cannot be understated. Fathers offer physical assistance to their spouses in fulfilling household chores, attend to emergencies during pregnancy and offer emotional support during the whole child bearing and rearing process. It is noteworthy that most of the roles that a man can play such as fulfilling household chores can be fulfilled by anybody else. This therefore seems to water down the importance of paternity leaves. In some cases paternity leaves can end up achieving the opposite of what they were intended if the father uses up his paternity leave to engage in gambling an drinking with friends instead of taking care of his spouse. All in all paternity leaves bring about greater bonding in families and to the society at large and therefore they should be upheld and strengthened.
Works cited
"Maternity and paternity benefits - Pregnancy and baby guide - NHS Choices." NHS Choices - Your health, your choices. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 May 2013. <http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/maternity-paternity-leave-benefits.aspx>.
Folbre, Nancy. The Invisible Heart: Economics and Family Values. New York: New, 2001. Print
Ingólfur, V G, and Björk E. Guony. Parental Leave, Childcare and Gender Equality in the Nordic Countries. Copenhagen: Nordic Council of Ministers, 2011. Print.
Paternity leave and pay. Web 31 May 2013 http://www.tuc.org.uk/tuc/paternity.pdf
Pleck, Joseph H. Paternity Leave: Current Status and Future Prospects. Wellesley, MA: Wellesley College, Center for Research on Women, 1985. Print.
