My children were born in the 80s and 90s, writes Jacky Pugh, and lots of us had to go back to work after three months
I was highly amused by the excerpts from Becky Barnicoat’s graphic non-fiction book about being a new parent (‘Transforming into a parent is messy and primal: I drew it all’, 1 March). Being a new parent (and particularly a mother) is no joke, but it is good to be able to laugh at yourself and the huge clash with society’s expectations.
It’s easy to imagine that previous generations had helpful family around the corner and that life wasn’t so hectic or costly. But my experience and that of many of my generation – my children were born in the 80s and 90s – was difficult too. I had to finish work at a certain point in pregnancy – around seven months – and maternity pay was only for six weeks.
Continue reading… My children were born in the 80s and 90s, writes Jacky Pugh, and lots of us had to go back to work after three monthsI was highly amused by the excerpts from Becky Barnicoat’s graphic non-fiction book about being a new parent (‘Transforming into a parent is messy and primal: I drew it all’, 1 March). Being a new parent (and particularly a mother) is no joke, but it is good to be able to laugh at yourself and the huge clash with society’s expectations.It’s easy to imagine that previous generations had helpful family around the corner and that life wasn’t so hectic or costly. But my experience and that of many of my generation – my children were born in the 80s and 90s – was difficult too. I had to finish work at a certain point in pregnancy – around seven months – and maternity pay was only for six weeks. Continue reading… Parents and parenting, Family, Life and style, Children, Society, Feminism, Women, Childcare, Nursing