Equality.....yeah right

[JenBKR]

I wanted to echo ES's comments. While MM might not be happy with what she is getting, it is a far cry more than what I got: none.

Your kidding? Wow I won't complain about mine anymore then - Did you at least get a couple days off?

[lbaker]

When I first became preggers I was waitressing and was told that as soon as I started to "show" I would have to stop work (unpaid of course). Might make the male customers "uneasy" you know Of course this was back in the dark ages after all. At least SOME things have improved ~

[Cataholic]

Maybe I wasn't clear- I had NO paid time off, and since I wasn't working, my health insurance coverage was in jeopardy. I took 8 weeks 'off'.

[JenBKR]

Maybe I wasn't clear- I had NO paid time off, and since I wasn't working, my health insurance coverage was in jeopardy. I took 8 weeks 'off'.

Ok I understand. Yes my time off isn't paid either, but I am on my husband's health insurance so at least I don't have to worry about that. This system is terrible. How horrible that your health insurance coverage was in jeopardy. Seems like we don't value mothers enough in this country

[Edwina's Secretary]

The Family Medical Leave Act...requiring 12 weeks of unpaid leave...is fairly new... 1993. Before that it was at the discretion of the employer. When the law was passed there was great anguish about ....the end of the world as we know it...US business no longer competitive...etc. etc. etc.

Trust me...there are still employers out there with the attiude of Laurie's former boss!

[lbaker]

Interesting thought Sara, I wonder what the attitude would have been if the restaurant owner or manager had been a woman Would she/they still be worried I would make the customers "uneasy"

[Cataholic]

Interesting thought Sara, I wonder what the attitude would have been if the restaurant owner or manager had been a woman Would she/they still be worried I would make the customers "uneasy"

You know? There still are some women that subscribe to that whole theory, too. I think it is a double whammy....

[Edwina's Secretary]

Interesting thought Sara, I wonder what the attitude would have been if the restaurant owner or manager had been a woman Would she/they still be worried I would make the customers "uneasy"

I would guess so in many cases. Pregnant women had to go into seclusion or confinement. School teachers had to leave the classroom when they began to "show". Our delicate little psyches couldn't handle seeing a pregnant teacher.... Part of the culture.

A pity a middle ground could not have been found. Now I see pregnant women with their naked tattooed belly hanging out the (large) gap between their pants and their shirt..