The average cost of infant childcare is almost 11,500 dollars annually. This accounts for one-fifth of the income for the average family. What this number does not show is the effects of separation on the mother and newborn child as well as the stresses associated with providing for and raising a child.
1 year of paid maternity leave should be mandated by employers after 1 year of consecutive employment. Employers should pay a new parent and a parent adopting a child less than 12 months of age 25% of their annual salary and hold the employees position for 1 year. This would be available to either a mother or father at the family's choosing.