A recent email from a dad-to-be got me thinking. How much time should a father take off work after the baby arrives? Where you live and your current financial situation can play a huge roll in determine how long of paternal leave you should take.
Your situation is different from mine and everyone else, check out this great site on paternity leave to help you answer that question.
Once you figure out how much time you can take, it’s time to figure out how much you should take. Here’s a visual map of parental leave around the world.
Parental leave checklist
- What are your parental leave rights? Find out through your employer if you are entitled to any sort of paid leave and what hoops you must jump through. Parental leave can differ by country and employer so do your homework!
- Did your spouse give birth naturally or Cesarean section? Recovering from a c-section is measured in weeks where a natural birth can be only days. If your spouse has a c-section be prepared to step up and take charge. She’ll want to take it easy and rightfully so!
- Breastfeeding or bottle fed? The first week home with the baby is a crucial time for establishing a good nursing routine. Being around for moral support and looking after the house will allow your spouse to concentrate on breastfeeding.
- Do you have backup? Do you have family or friends nearby to call on? The first day back can be overwhelming for the new mom. Having someone that can help her just can make the transition that much easier.
- Rate your baby knowledge. Are you a seasoned baby veteran able to change a diaper with one hand and blindfolded? Or are you still trying to figure out which end is up?
I took a week off. Looking back I wish I took at least one more week. More time to bond, adjust and help out CleverMom. Right from the beginning she had breast feeding issues caused by a bad latch and bad information. (Another day, another rant) We both agreed that one more week of my help probably would have made he difference between 100% breastfed and supplementing.
The joys of being new parents, live and learn. The first kid is only for practice, right?
Photo courtesy of: apdk
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Good Post! I wish I had more time off, but with my wife off work already ( she is a teacher) on Mat leave, she did not want me to cut into her time!
I wish I could stay home forever…lol
Shane
( Did I tell you how much I like you site template? Nice!)
My wife said the same thing at first. She said any thing longer than a week and she’d probably kill me anyways!
I’m glad you like the layout. Was a pain to work all the kinks out, but I learned a ton along the way!
I love how long we get up here in Canada. (Fellow Canadian blogger here) My wife was only off for 6 weeks, I took a week when our little guy was first born, and I’ve now been off for 6 months.
It’s been nice to take advantage of our parental leave, though accepting a new job has cut into the last of the 35 weeks.
I agree Twistedxtian, after doing a little more research I realized how lucky we are to be canucks. Sure it isn’t perfect, but sure beats other countries!