If you’re expecting a baby or had one recently were you able to easily take time from work for all your doctor’s appointments?
It’s something many women have a hard time with and now a new proposal could help.
As part of her State of the State plan, Governor Kathy Hochul wants to give pregnant women in New York 40 hours of paid leave to attend prenatal medical appointments.
Under New York’s current paid family leave law, short-term disability benefits aren’t available until four weeks before the baby’s birth.
Janelle Stevens is very familiar with the process of having a baby. The working mom of four just had twins five months ago. We asked her what she thought of the proposal.
“I think it would be a great thing because so often it’s hard to get off from your daytime job for your appointments,” said Stevens.
Dr. Millicent Trevette is an OBGYN at Suburban Women’s Healthcare. She says prenatal visits are vital for mom and baby.
“It’s extremely important,” said Trevette. “We can prevent fetal growth restrictions. We can prevent complications that can happen due to medical conditions.”