Home / Career & Money / Work & Motherhood This time-lapse video proves maternity leave is not a ‘vacation’—it’s essential Motherly Advocating for mamas and families everywhere—because maternity leave is so much more than "a break." By Diva Anwari May 13, 2022 Motherly Rectangle This video shows the reality of maternity leave: the constant demand of a mother’s attention—when she is not only answering to her newborn but to the physical and emotional changes her body is going through, and to the endless responsibilities of everyday life. Digital classes from Motherly Digital classes from Motherly Postpartum wellness • $$50.00 Congratulations, you are a mama! This course will help you navigate the first few weeks of parenthood! Enroll now Maternity leave is demanding. Maternity leave is WORK. Maternity leave is magical and the single most important job she will ever have. These mamas may be on leave but they are never off the clock. Support for mamas everywhere needs to be better. More than 17,000 mothers responded to our fifth annual State of Motherhood survey. 55% of mothers reported that their employers can better support them with longer, paid maternity leave. Read more of our State of Motherhood 2022 survey results here: Related Stories Work & Motherhood The 5 stages of THE CALL: Realizing you have to balance work & a sick kid Work & Motherhood This study proves that paid parental leave benefits moms’ health—for decades Work & Motherhood 5 effective ways to talk to your boss about pumping rights at work The latest What To Watch Anne Hathaway is living her Harry Styles dating fantasy in the trailer for ‘The Idea Of You’ Women's Health These are the 6 books I’d gift to new moms Entertainment This trailer for ‘Irish Wish’ starring Lindsay Lohan gives off major ’90s rom-com vibes What To Watch Shari Lewis’ daughter brings *the* Lamb Chop to TikTok to heal your inner child