A new trend is sweeping the United States which sees new and first-time mothers establish a crowdfund page in an effort to raise money for themselves and their family so that they have the time to bond with their new arrival before returning to the workforce.
With the US and Papau New Guinea being the only two countries without a federal paid leave policy, many women in the United States find themselves torn between paying bills and spending quality time with their newborn baby.
And while many employers and a number of states offer paid leave, only 12% of the American workforce has access to this meaning that 21% of women return to work just two weeks after giving birth - a whopping ten weeks before most medical professionals would recommend.
Owing to this fact, innumerable families in the States have made the decision to go online with their plight and request financial assistance through websites like GoFundMe or GiveForward - an avenue that the vast majority of families don't wish to take, but feel is the only option if they are to strike the proper balance.
With many families financially unable to take 12 weeks unpaid maternity leave, couples are reaching out to their community, friends and neighbours to help assist them following the birth of their child in a move which simultaneously helps the family in question and sheds light on an issue affecting many more.
Would you establish an online maternity leave fund if you had to?
