There are plenty of misconceptions around maternity leave; that it’s a holiday, that it’s relaxing, that it’s all long lunches and coffees, like an extended city break in your own hometown. And while there are some lovely moments, for a lot of women, it’s the very opposite of a holiday; no sleep, relentless work, long, lonely days and stress. Not least, for many, regarding money.
Maternity leave can be extremely financially challenging – especially as someone who is self-employed.
When I went on maternity leave at the end of 2022 as a freelance journalist, I claimed the government’s statutory payment (SMP). I was eligible for £313.32 every two weeks for 39 weeks (or £156.66 per week). So £626.64 a month. I don’t know about you but that nowhere near covers my bills – nor the added expense of becoming a parent; the cots and buggies and bottles and nappies and baby grows and sterilisers that all become necessary.
In our household, I was fortunate enough that my partner’s salary could cover us. However much it made my feminist instincts wince to agree to this arrangement. It also meant I had to cut back on luxuries that felt unjustifiable, like magazine subscriptions or my Nike trainers habit. I have absolutely no idea how a single parent would manage – although they remarkably do. In other cases, I’ve seen many women plan extensively. I know one who saved for years in advance to be able to afford a baby.
