Breastfeeding Leave for Fathers, too
Confusing? I thought so, too, until I read this article regarding working fathers of newborns in Spain. (Be aware, if you are sensitive to these things, there was a picture of a mum nursing her infant on this page when I did my research.)
Essentially, the court ruled that it was considered discrimination for mothers to get breastfeeding leave and fathers would miss out on the bonding time with their babies simply because they were not physically nursing the infant. This new ruling will allow fathers the same potential to have a break from their job to enjoy skin to skin contact with their child – kangaroo care – or even giving their child a bottle. Both fathers and mothers are able to choose to leave twice during the day for no more than an hour or to shorten their workday by 30 minutes.
Do you think that most people participating in this program will use it for what it was intended for or do you think they will take advantage of the law?
Photo courtesy of PhotoXpress.
The Proverbial Woman 
I’m sure some people will take advantage of it, but for those who use it for the right reason, what an awesome thing!
I think it’s a fantastic idea. I can’t imagine most new fathers I know abusing this privilege – it’s specifically so they can go spend time with their infant children, right? Most of the fathers I know would jump at this chance to go and see their child (and presumably, also their wife) in the middle of the day or make their day shorter so they can spend more time playing and snuggling their child.
I agree with you, Anitra. And what a support to the nursing/sleep deprived/new mum to have something to look forward to during the day – her hubby coming home. (This is assuming, of course, that she is at home with the baby.) That was something I always needed in those early postpartum days – something to look forward to out of the normal to’s and fro’s of my day.
I think it is awesome that they realize that fathers need to be there as well! As for taking advantage of it I think some might only because they are tired from a new baby keeping them up … they might go take a nap somewhere, but I do think that most of them will want to be home snuggling with their wife and new baby…. what a precious time!
not surprised that this happened in spain… this is a very european thing, to be so egalitarian. i am glad there is an emphasis on fatherhood, but they are trying to make men and women completely the same, when they are not.
I think it’s a really good idea. It’s important for the father to bond with the child too. This really lends to family building. I think some people will use it for what it was intended for and others will take advantage.
My husband is in the military so probably wouldn’t be an option for him, but I know that he’d jump at the chance!