If I lived in Finland
If I was pregnant and living in Finland, I'd be under midwife-led care by default. I'd have my choice of birthing hospitals, be given a private family room for post-natal care and be followed up by my own midwife once home.
My cupboard would be stocked with this cute, State-supplied maternity pack of baby necessities.
Unless of course I chose to receive a cash payment so I could choose my own.
After the baby was born I'd be eligible for 105 days of maternity leave at 80% of my salary, followed by a share of 158 days with the baby's father. I'd be eligible for three years of unpaid maternity leave.
Spitting chips yet? But wait, there's more.
If my children became unwell and needed to see a doctor, they would be seen on the same day in the emergency medical clinic of their local health centre or at the city’s emergency clinic for children. All services provided by child welfare clinics, dental clinics and health centres are free for children.
If one of the children was sick enough to stay home from daycare, myself or my husband would have the right by law to stay home and care for the sick child. Or, if I and my employer agreed, I could work and they would pay for a carer to stay with the child.
If I had a nanny or cleaner, I could offset their wages as against my tax.
All of these family policies have led to Finland having one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world (7 to our 17), and mothers a significantly higher workforce participation rate.
I can't see it working in Australia though. Imagine the outcry if the baby bonus was traded for a few packets of Bonds Wondersuits and a Mem Fox book! The sales of LCD TVs would plummet, for starters.
What family-friendly policies would you like to see the Australian government introduce?
My cupboard would be stocked with this cute, State-supplied maternity pack of baby necessities.
Unless of course I chose to receive a cash payment so I could choose my own.After the baby was born I'd be eligible for 105 days of maternity leave at 80% of my salary, followed by a share of 158 days with the baby's father. I'd be eligible for three years of unpaid maternity leave.
Spitting chips yet? But wait, there's more.
If my children became unwell and needed to see a doctor, they would be seen on the same day in the emergency medical clinic of their local health centre or at the city’s emergency clinic for children. All services provided by child welfare clinics, dental clinics and health centres are free for children.
If one of the children was sick enough to stay home from daycare, myself or my husband would have the right by law to stay home and care for the sick child. Or, if I and my employer agreed, I could work and they would pay for a carer to stay with the child.
If I had a nanny or cleaner, I could offset their wages as against my tax.
All of these family policies have led to Finland having one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world (7 to our 17), and mothers a significantly higher workforce participation rate.
I can't see it working in Australia though. Imagine the outcry if the baby bonus was traded for a few packets of Bonds Wondersuits and a Mem Fox book! The sales of LCD TVs would plummet, for starters.
What family-friendly policies would you like to see the Australian government introduce?
posted by Louche at 2:10 AM
1 Comments:
I just don't believe babies should be separated from their mothers at all for the first few years and then only as they are ready for it. I'd like to see that made possible for everyone. I think it is wrong to be forced by financial pressure to put a 6 week old baby into daycare.
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