|
tough that first day must have been - emotionally and physically.
Military moms, like the one we met on our trip, face many of the same challenges working mothers do. They must figure out how to juggle a schedule that's packed with work commitments, basketball games, and trips to the grocery store. They struggle to maximize each minute at home. And unfortunately, they fight the perception that because they work, they are less devoted to their family.
Mothers in the military, however, undoubtedly face a number of unique challenges as well. Most notably, as Army First Lieutenant Jessica Scott writes, military moms "must also face the fact that by remaining in the military, we may never see our sons and daughters again
. Before each mother deploys, she must make all the final preparations in case she doesn't come home."
Deployment is difficult for any parent - for any Soldier - but for a mother who endured childbirth just weeks before, there are additional physical and mental challenges that must be overcome.
Today, the Defense Department offers active-duty mothers 42 days of maternity leave before they must return to their assignment. This is six weeks less than civilian employees are entitled to under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Women who have volunteered to serve our country in the military deserve adequate time to recover from childbirth.
Numerous studies have shown that women who take at least 12 weeks of leave after childbirth show fewer symptoms of depression. Their physical health, an imperative attribute for a service member, is also increased. Moreover, their child is less likely to have long-term cognitive and behavioral issues.
(Continued on page 28)
|
|
