My wifes had a baby

[Mike10451045]

My wife gave birth to our baby girl on the 17th I've been off work on paternity leave for the last 2 weeks it was great. Question is I could do with about a month off to help her out whilst things settle do others think 2 weeks is long enough or should men get more time off.

[Lisax]

firstly congratulations.

boy/girl???? weight???

secondly no i dont think 2 weeks is enough.... it would be nice if you could have a month off with them xx

[Glossopswift]

Congratulations Mike, it�s a magical time you are going through. I bet you are sitting there counting down the hours until you can go home aren�t you? I am very lucky, I got 15 days paid paternity which fell around Easter so I managed to string it out to 4 weeks by taking 2 days annual leave. I don�t think 2 weeks is enough at all and 3 weeks is a good place to start when looking at a minimum. A woman who has had a c-section can�t drive or do anything strenuous like pushing a pram for 6 weeks after the op so will need all the help she can get. We had twins to go with our 2 year old and there was no way my wife could have coped, we were very fortunate to be in the position we are in � not everyone is so lucky. In my ideal world men would have a few months off until everything is settled but employers wouldn�t be happy trying to look for paternity and maternity cover together with associated training/re-training needs etc. I think 4 weeks is a good period, maybe having 3 weeks paid and the employee having the option of taking an extra week from annual leave. Mind you, you may want to go back to work after a week for some peace and quiet. Best wishes to you all.

[jno]

I thought I read somewhere there were plans by the government to extend paternity leave; good thing too, for fathers and children. But 'help her out'? Maybe you should be thinking more along the lines of 'It's equally my responsibility'? For a start, volunteer for the 2am feeds!

[smudge]

Congratulations to you & your wife, on the birth of your little daughter. Welcome to the world little girl. -xx-.

Personally, I think 2 weeks is long enough for a man to be at home with his wife/partner. Mind you, I had an easy time giving birth to our two daughters & was up & about after two days doing little bits & bobs. My husband did the shopping & cooking which was a great help.

I suppose if a new Mum is having probems after a difficult birth, etc., then maybe a month off to help, would be better all round.

[Mike10451045]

Thanks for all your comments she was 8lb 12oz and born after 15 hours of labour!!! so a big baby shes great she sleeps all night and feeds all day I thought babies cried all the time but they don't. I help out with everything but I still could do with a bit more time off. I changed jobs a few months ago so I could spend more time at home with the family it was the best decision I ever made.

[BossyBoots]

I insisted my husband take 2 weeks off when our second daughter was born.  After one week I wanted him back at work because I needed to get back into a routine with new baby and 2 year old.  Go by how your wife is feeling.

[acw]

Congratulations on the birth of your daughter!

My friend had her first (also a girl) on 5th May and her partner (if anyone was going to judge, please don't. They were planning to get married but then H's pill failed and she fell pregnant.  Rather than an abortion, they decided to keep the baby - and baby E is worth it - without a doubt!) J had to go back to work after 2 weeks.  He was GUTTED.  He really hated leaving them - so I can guess at how you're feeling. 

I personally think men should get longer, and should always have the option of taking extended leave, even if, after a while that has to be unpaid. 

In reality, men will never get as long off as women, but then that's because in a majority of cases, that's they way the families want it. 

Well, I say I hope you get your time off to enjoy with the new addition to your family.  If I were an employer I'd try my best to accommodate the needs of new Dads.

:-)

[tracymort]

I think paternity leave was longer too. We really should ahve proper "babymoons" where they Mum does nothing but bond and help establish breastfeeding for a month. Other cultures do this. Dad's job is to look after Mum so she can give baby the best start!
Congratulations!