Is Paternity leave essential?

In Islamic teachings, mothers are accorded immense significance . There is a famous saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that declares “Paradise lies underneath the feet of your mothers.” This highlights the profound respect and rewards given for the pains and hardships a woman endures as a mother.

The journey to motherhood is undeniably challenging. From conception to delivery, and then from delivery to postpartum issues, it accompanies several physical and emotional trials. (Bringing up a child presents yet another story of challenges and struggles).

I acknowledge that the period brings its own strains and stresses for fathers too. Nevertheless, it is the mother who has to bear the physical pain, hormonal changes and the difficulties in performing the day to day activities.

The discomforts experienced during the period of pregnancy are of one kind whereas the challenges after the child birth are another. In addition to the physical weakness, postpartum bleeding and bodily pains the mother must also attend to the constant demands of the new born.

Being a mother, I acknowledge that breast feeding is among the greatest gifts a mother gives to her children. It’s a sacrifice from her side. An infant wakes up several times in the night to feed, and the mother fulfils the need putting her sleep and comfort aside. No matter if she is in pain or what, she sits up to satisfy the appetite of the kid.

Setting aside all her essential tasks, even delaying her basic needs like using the rest room and taking meals, the mother prioritizes her child’s need for nourishment.

The arrival of a new-born brings with it ample amount of responsibilities and additional duties to the routine. Along with fulfilling the responsibilities, the woman needs significant amount of time to get her body healed. Moreover, the infant needs the mother to get proper nourishment and care. It is because of these reasons maternity leaves are necessary for the well-being of both, the mother and the child.

I have heard of certain countries that offer paternity leaves of several weeks. This concept is novel to me though. I never heard of any such leaves here, in my country, Pakistan. While fathers may take leave from their work following the birth of a child, it is usually informal and are not officially recognized as paternity leaves. Consequently, fathers go back to their work as soon as possible.

Given the collectivist nature and joint family system prevalent in the society, I don’t deem paternity leaves as a necessity either. The extended family typically steps in to provide support in the postpartum period. Other women in the household are there to provide care to the postpartum mother, and assist with the new born.

I think individualistic societies are more in a need of long paternity leaves so that the father may assist the mother in dealing with the additional responsibilities. This way, the mother gets the rest needed for her recovery.

In conclusion, as of the contemporary circumstances in my society, I do not consider long paternity leaves as of much significance. Nevertheless, there should be a short period of paid leaves so the father may have enough time to get rid of the fatigue caused by hospital visits and alterations in the routine.

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This post is my participation for Hl-featured contest week 127 edition 3.

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