New mothers in the U.S. navigate work-life balance as maternity leave options remain limited

Fortesa Latifi returned to work just one week after giving birth, feeling guilty but also more like herself. Many new mothers in the U.S. face similar struggles, balancing their identities beyond motherhood with the demands of caring for a newborn. Latifi highlights the lack of maternity leave options for many women, noting that her freelance work did not guarantee time off. She emphasizes the importance of having a choice in how to manage work and family life, a privilege not available to all mothers. The article discusses how some women find fulfillment in returning to work early, as it helps them maintain their identity. It calls for better maternity leave policies in the U.S., where many women lack guaranteed paid leave.