Emotional New Mom Breaks Down After Returning To Work Just Days After Giving Birth To Preemie

Apr 27, 2022 by apost team

Although one of the wealthiest countries in the world, the United States healthcare system has been ranked last out of 11 other high-income countries, according to a study conducted by Commonwealth Fund. The high-income countries used in the study are Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The data analyzed the 11 countries in five areas: access to care, the care process, administrative efficiency, equity, and healthcare outcomes. Although no country excelled in every category, Norway, the Netherlands, and Australia were the highest-ranking countries throughout the study as per Washington Post. Overall, the United States ranked last in all the categories.

According to data collected by the World Policy Analysis Center, out of the 41 nations, the United States is the only country not to offer paid maternity leave to new parents.

The realities of America's failed healthcare system were brought to the attention of many in a viral TikTok video. In the video, a new mother reveals that she had to return to work 12 days after giving birth to her 27-week-old baby.

Rebecca Shumard, whose Tiktok username is @edensmomma10_12, shared an emotional video that sparked a social media outcry. 

The video was posted on Dec. 7, 2021, and showed Shumard crying as she filled out paperwork while at work. By using on-screen captions, Shumard gave insight into her emotional state.

"POV, You have to return to work 12 days after having a premature baby at 27 weeks, so that when she is eventually discharged from the NICU, you can spend what little maternity leave you have with her," she wrote.

In an interview with InTheKnow, Shumard shared how the reality of her situation widely contrasted with how she planned her six weeks of maternity leave.

"My expectations of maternity leave were, this is the time to spend with your baby, and it's going to be obviously a learning curve," Shumard told the outlet. "You spend those short six weeks with them if that's what it is that you get, and during that time you are creating a schedule that works for the baby that changes daily, hourly."

Unfortunately, that is not what occurred for Shumard. Shumard returned to work 12 days after giving birth. But balancing the demanding schedule of a new mom with her work schedule became a problem. Like many NICU moms, Shumard continued to pump 2-3 hours a day to keep up her body's breast milk production. But due to the stressful requirements of her job, she was unable to uphold the schedule and noticed a decline in her milk production.

"Your milk supply is [diminishing] at [eight] weeks postpartum. Will you even have milk available when she gets home?" she wrote in the on-screen captions.

In the video, Shumard asked for help, wondering how other NICU parents dealt with their situation.

"What do other NICU parents do?" she wrote. "How can anyone afford to stay home during a NICU stay? How can anyone handle the guilt when you have to work and can't be with your baby?"

Shumard's emotional video led to a social media outcry. Commenters and viewers rallied in support of the new mom. Many viewers opted to send financial support, which ultimately helped Shumard extend her paternal leave. 

Baby Eden has been released from the NICU, and Shumard has been able to spend much-needed time with her.

apost.com

What are some ways you believe America’s healthcare system could be improved? Make sure to let us know, and be sure to pass this story on to your friends and family as well!