Amber Hewston: Paid leave shouldn’t be a privilege of the few

This commentary is by Amber Hewston, of Wilder, a doctor of physical therapy who works in early intervention across north Windsor and Orange counties. She is a member of the Families and Communities Committee with Building Bright Futures.

As a mother of two who experienced the value of paid leave myself, I hope Vermont legislators will seize the opportunity to pass a universal paid family and medical leave program this year.

Paid leave after the birth of each of my children afforded me time I could never get back. Time to physically recover from pregnancy and birth. Time to go to important well-baby visits, so my infants got a healthy start. Time to learn about my children and their cues, personalities, needs, and how they fit into our family.

Having a paid leave policy that protected my job and financial stability meant I was physically and mentally ready to return to work when I did.

In my career as an early intervention physical therapist, I see many families who do not have the supportive experience I did. I work with clients who are returning to work while coming to grips with being a new parent — and in some cases, a parent of a child with significant needs.

Some have had traumatic birth experiences. Some are juggling frequent medical appointments or must return to work before their child has even left the hospital.

As children get older, many families are still faced with lack of paid or even unpaid leave when their child has life-altering medical procedures. Families are forced to make difficult decisions that can put themselves or their child at unnecessary risk, like having to delay medical treatment or being unable to attend important follow-up appointments. This can lead to poor health outcomes for the child and add additional stress and mental health strain for caregivers.

The lack of paid leave in Vermont limits my ability to support some families. Caregivers get information from me and other medical professionals through telephone conversations, written notes, or second hand from a childcare provider. This denies them opportunities to be an active participant in their child’s care.

This takes a toll. The pressure of being a full-time worker and full-time caregiver without support can force parents to leave the workforce altogether. “Lucky” ones may only sacrifice career aspirations they have worked years to develop. Others may experience financial hardship that puts themselves and their children at further risk.

Passage of a universal paid leave program, available to every Vermont worker, is long overdue. Paid leave gives growing families a strong start — and when families have a strong start, we all benefit.

When parents can attend to a child’s early medical needs, it reduces the occurrence and length of childhood illnesses. When caregivers can balance the demands of their career and their family, they stay in the workforce. Investing in the health of Vermont’s children and caregivers builds stronger communities and saves taxpayer dollars.

By creating a universal paid leave program, like H.66, we can support families when they need it most. I urge Vermont lawmakers to make paid leave a reality for all Vermont workers, not just a privilege of the few.

Read the story on VTDigger here: Amber Hewston: Paid leave shouldn’t be a privilege of the few .