Bummed.... SERIOUSLY BUMMED!!!!

I look forward to the National Day Rally in general cos that's when good ol' Singapore announces all the great handouts they will be giving us. Especially when it is close to the election year! To be honest, I think the government is coddling us, but who's complaining!

Anyway, this year, I was particularly looking forward to the new parenthood packages namely a possible extended maternity leave. Well, as it turned out, the maternity leave in Singapore was extended from 12 weeks to 16 weeks! When I heard, I was overjoyed. Sophie was born on 1 Aug, and when the maternity leave was last extended from 8 to 12 weeks back in 2004, it was enjoyed by all babies born on 1 Aug onwards. I thought the same would apply this time. I was wrong. :( As it turns out, this extension only applies to births from Jan 2009 onwards. I am devastated. 4 extra weeks would mean so much more time that I can spend with Sophie, not to mention Emma and Cate.

What I am confused about is this.... According to MoM (Ministry of Manpower):

"Why is the Government extending paid maternity leave?

This is part of the overall package of measures to support parenthood and make Singapore a more conducive place for families.

A longer period of maternity leave will allow working mothers more time to bond with their newborns and recuperate from childbirth. It also gives mothers additional time to ensure that childcare arrangements are satisfactory, before they return to work."

If the above is in fact true, why don't they effect this extension immediately? Wouldn't I need to bond with my baby and recuperate too? They were also able to effect the previous extension very quickly, so I don't understand the need to delay the effective date this time. I just get the feeling that the reason provided above is just a half truth and it is more to encourage more pregnancies. If you are delivering in 2008, there isn't a need to give you an incentive since you are already pregnant!

Ok, perhaps I am just bitter,.... I am forever wanting more time with my girls. It is challenging being a working mother. Well, in the larger scheme of things, I am so happy that Sophie is here with us now (rather than later - in 2009). With or without the 4 week maternity leave extension.

** 23 Aug update: The government has since announced that the parenthood package will now be applicable to births from 17th Aug onwards. So now I have missed it by 16 days rather than 4.5 months. Bottomline, it still excludes me...