Extend Paid Maternity Leave in Barbados!

I totally agree with and support this move! Achieving this policy change would be a positive move in the right direction.

I have two amazing boys ages 17 and 12. They both breastfeed until age 2. I wished I had six months with them before having to return to work. They both were stubborn and never liked the bottle.

I agree and support the petition for 6 months maternity leave and 2 weeks paternity leave. The implementation of this would greatly assist mothers who delivered via cesarean and encourage fathers to help more.

I strongly believe that there should be an extension to allow a longer bond with parent and child, and to also give the mother more time to heal through such tiring process.

Children need to be nurtured by their parents, and more so by their mothers at this very delicate stage in their lives. They should not be left with strangers or relatives at such a young age! Give our babies a chance to feel that unconditional love!!

I fully agree - many develop countries grant 9 mth to 1 yr maternity leave. They place much emphasis on early childhood development.

This is long overdue. Quite frankly having to part with your infant at 12 weeks of age or less to return to work is inhumane.

I absolutely agree

Women deserve a minimum of 6 months maternity.

Time is needed for mother and child to bond

Wonderful idea.

I think it is about time they gave us more time with our new born baby's

I agree with the request for 6 months and paternity leave but there's a need to improve the NIS Maternity Rules, Regulations and Procedures.

Not a moment too soon.

I fully support this.

I think there needs to be an adjustment to the maternity guidelines of Barbados. Including the increasing of the maternity leave for women and paternity leave to be instituted.

I agree that the time should be extended and it's way overdue!!!!!

Six months maternity leave and two weeks paternity leave will definitely help parents to manage the new adjustment better and can lead to better productivity at work.

I fully agree breastfeeding us very important for both mother and child and given the chance to an extended time will have a very positive effect

Very well said Avelyn! Thank you for your comment! Succinct, impactful! We know this will not happen now but the conversation needs to start now. We can't wait for things to get better here before we start letting our government know the needs we have and what needs we want met. This is important for now and future generations.