Mildly Interesting

Wanna something to cry about?

Here(Central Europe)

From the moment you are confirmed pregnant you are not allowed to work in any capacity that could endanger you pregnancy - no heavy lifting,no night shift, no overtime, no patient contact that could lead to infections or endangerment (e.g. needle injuries, anesthesia gas, blood, violent patients, etc.). If the hospital can't find a suitable position (e.g. in the outpatient clinics,etc.) you stay at home with full pay - and you are basically unfireable, especially due to anything pregnancy related. Six weeks before the estimated due date you are forbidden to work unless you expressly volunteer to do so (and even then the conditions above must be met). (This is,btw, partially an international agreement by an UN organisation that the US refuses to ratify)

8 weeks after the birth the mother is not allowed to work (unless in very special circumstances), longer for twins,etc. The mother receives full pay and benefits, e.g. vacation days,etc. still accrue.

For 12 months mothers or fathers can stay at home with up to 1800€/month (depending on their pre-birth income), the same money will be payed for 14 months if the other partner stays at home for 2 additional months.(E.g. the mother can stay at home for 12 and the father for 2, or both for 7 months,etc.). The employer must retain the job for the mother/father under normal circumstances. Until 3 years one parent (at a time) can stay at home unpayed and the job needs to be partially maintained.

Parents also have a right to work part time in most scenarios.

I know, in the grand scheme of things for you at the moment this is hardly the most pressing issue, but you guys really get cheated over there. I feel bad for you.

Most women aren't even fully healed by two weeks, either.

Yes. And good managers can do it.

There’s the rub, tho.