Maternity leave in Australia is a mix of government policies and individual company policies, leaving many women to navigate their options on their own. I had the opportunity to speak with a mother of two from Sydney about her experience. From labor choices to the realities of returning to work, here’s what she shared.
Yes, home births are quite common, but I opted for a hospital birth.
Yes, in addition to standard options, there is gas and a TENS machine, which can be used throughout delivery or just during certain stages.
100%, whatever helps you feel comfortable. I was even offered scented candles and essential oils.
One adult of my choice (over 18, no kids). This applies if you're in a single room, which is usually the case. However, if the hospital is at full occupancy, they may place you in a double room, which makes sleep very difficult.
During the pandemic, only one adult was allowed. Under normal circumstances, I’ve heard that 2-3 people can be present during labor.
Yes.
Anyone can visit during designated visiting hours.
Always in the same room as the mother, by her side.
Yes.
Yes.
No.
It depends on the delivery type. Typically, it's two nights for a natural birth and three nights for a C-section. If there were no complications, discharge can happen the same day or after one night.
Not really. It depends on the family, but in general, it's not a common practice.
No, not really.
In our family, he did everything. I focused entirely on the baby.
It depends on the company. My husband's employer does not offer it.
It depends on the company and personal preference. Government-paid leave is around three months, but some companies allow an additional 2-3 months. Many women choose to take unpaid leave until their baby turns one year old.
It varies. Women with multiple kids are more likely to stay home since daycare is expensive.
In most cases, it’s financial—daycare costs are high.
It depends on location, but it’s expensive everywhere.
Even more expensive. I don’t know anyone who has one.
Yes, but they are hard to get into. Groups are typically small (3-4 kids), and they are not very popular in my circle.
Yes.
Depends on the job, but it's much more common after COVID.
Technically, yes, but very few women do it because it’s difficult to focus, especially with a newborn. I do it occasionally but only for a few hours.
My time is fully focused on my baby.
Yes, we transitioned our older child at 20 months.
No.
Getting my period back—it was really heavy. Also, missing my kids a lot.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.