A Necessary Support for New Fathers and Families

In the journey of parenthood, both fathers and mothers are special, one must be available for each other. We all know it is not an easy thing for mothers right from pregnancy to the point of delivery and also face another circle of post-natal series. It is a serious journey! However, the good and responsible husbands and fathers out there need to be considered. They are trying, and they also deserve some days off work to concentrate and feel the joy of fatherhood and rest. They need it👌👌

As we acknowledge the significance of maternity leave for new mothers, it's equally essential to consider the value of paternity leave for new fathers. In Nigeria, the Lagos State government has taken a commendable step by providing six months of maternity leave and two weeks of paternity leave. However, this benefit is not universally extended to all employees, particularly in private sectors in the state or all other states. However, so many countries like Canada, the US, the UK, Sweden, etc consider automatic paternity leave to allow fathers to bond with their children and also support their partners.

When I had my first child, and I had a crisis, no one could do it better than my husband. He was given ten days off but five days out of it had been used while I was still at the hospital. The stress of him going home, and coming back to the hospital was a total mess on him. Will I say the ten days off
was enough? No, it was not! I had to tell him to take a day off and rest at home but he refused because he couldn't bear to leave me at the hospital alone. Hmm! What a darling!

My husband backing our baby

Is paternity necessary?

The necessity of paternity leave cannot be overstated. It provides an opportunity for fathers to bond with their newborns, support their partners, and enhance their emotional and mental well-being. This leave can be particularly crucial for mothers who have undergone C-sections, requiring their partners' care and assistance during the recovery period.

My friend had a terrible when she gave birth to her first child; she had the child through C-section, and she had no mother-in-law nor her own mother around and the husband was working in a private sector. There was no leave granted to the husband and the wife needed help. Eventually, in the process of taking of herself and the baby, the cut was opened according to the stress she was going through, and she landed in the hospital again. It was a terrible experience; thank God she was saved.

Should the fathers get the same treatment?

Paternity leave enables fathers to establish a strong connection with their children, which is essential for their emotional and psychological development.
Partners can provide critical care and assistance to new mothers, alleviating some of the burdens associated with childcare and recovery.

Paternity leave can help fathers manage the stress and emotional changes that come with parenthood, promoting a healthier and more balanced family environment.
By providing paternity leave, employers can encourage fathers to take a more active role in childcare, fostering a more equitable distribution of responsibilities between partners.

However, some people believe that paternity leave might not be necessary for all fathers. Some men might feel that they don't need this leave, either due to personal circumstances or a sense of responsibility to their employers. Additionally, some private sectors might view paternity leave as an unnecessary expense, leading to salary deductions for the time spent off work. They are too greedy to consider someone's feelings.

Paternity leave is a necessary support for new fathers and families. While it might not be essential for every individual, its benefits far outweigh the potential drawbacks. By providing paternity leave, we can promote stronger family bonds, support new mothers, and foster a more balanced and healthy society.

How can we achieve this when everyone is not aware?

• We must raise awareness and educate employers, employees, and the general public about the importance of paternity leave.
• Governments and companies can establish policies that support paternity leave, ensuring a smooth transition for new families and, most importantly, private sectors.
• Offer flexible work arrangements to accommodate the needs of new families, promoting a better work-life balance.

Source
They deserve paternity leave too!

My response to the #hivelearners third edition on the topic: Paternity leave.

#Image1,2,3 are directly mine.
#Image4 is sourced.

Thank you for reading 💕