To the Editor:
Becoming a new parent is one of the most beautiful and exhausting times in life. And yet, we are often expected to work like we do not have children, and raise children like we do not have jobs. We are told to cherish every moment, but we are also juggling bills, sleepless nights, and for some, the heavy fog of postpartum depression. It is a lot to carry during what is supposed to be a magical time.
Parenthood can be something you plan for or something that arrives as a surprise. For me, it was both. I decided to start my business when I was “done” having kids… and then surprise. I found out I was pregnant just as I was stepping away from my secure government job to launch my practice. Suddenly, I did not have the safety net of that job to support me, and I had no idea how I was going to make it all work. I assumed I would have to take time off unpaid and just figure it out somehow. Then I found Connecticut Paid Leave.
I will be honest, I did not think I would qualify. But I made the call, spoke with a kind and helpful staff member, and applied. That decision changed everything.
Having that income replacement meant I could focus on my recovery and bond with my baby without constant financial stress. Another huge part of why it was such a lifeline for me is that my husband also qualified. That meant the weight of the newborn phase did not fall entirely on my shoulders. He was able to be home, not just to bond with our son, but to actively help in my healing process physically, mentally, and emotionally. Having that shared support made all the difference in how we navigated those first few months as a family.
From the perspective of a small business owner, Paid Leave has been just as valuable. I cannot afford to pay staff out of pocket for extended time off, but with this program, my team members can take the time they need without either of us having to worry. It has helped me keep incredible staff and create a workplace that supports both mental health and family life, which matters deeply in our field. It brings me such comfort knowing that if anything arises, my team can be taken care of through Connecticut Paid Leave.
I have seen firsthand how lack of rest and recovery can affect mental health. Sleep deprivation impacts everything, from decision making to self care and even safety in certain jobs. Before CT Paid Leave, I had a client who returned to work just three days after giving birth. I cannot imagine the physical and emotional toll that took. Now, new parents in Connecticut can take the time they need to focus on their baby and themselves without sacrificing their paycheck.
If there is one piece of advice I could give to new parents, it is this. Do not hesitate. Apply for CT Paid Leave. It is not just a policy. It is a lifeline.
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Samantha Alzate, LCSW, is owner and founder of Mindful Transformations. She lives in West Hartford.