What Lack of Paid Family Leave Means for One Texas Mother

Lauren Hoffmann talks on the phone while nursing her son Micah at the dinner table in San Antonio, Texas.

For Reuters:

The United States is the only industrialized nation that does not have federally mandated paid paternity leave. Most families in the U.S. rely on the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, which merely protects new mothers' employment for up to 12 weeks.

Lauren Hoffmann, a mother of two, returned to work just 8 weeks after giving birth to her son son, Micah. Lauren used her accumulated paid time off but also went two and a half weeks without pay in order to stay home with her baby.

"Having more time to feel like you're getting good at this...I think that could only be a good thing," Lauren said.

Lauren Hoffmann nurses her son Micah as she checks emails before work.

Lauren Hoffmann burps her son Micah during her final week of maternity leave.

Lauren Hoffmann dries her son Asa off after his bath.

Lauren Hoffmann performs with her with her baby-wearing dance troupe at a UTSA basketball game.

Lauren and Will Hoffmann pray during their Shabbat dinner.

Lauren and Will Hoffmann prepare a bath for their son Micah.

Will Hoffmann reads a book to his son Asa, who is being potty trained.

Lauren Hoffmann gets ready for work after being on maternity leave for eight weeks.

Lauren Hoffmann freezes bags of breast milk in anticipation of her return to work.

Lauren Hoffmann applies lotion to her legs while getting ready for work.

Lauren Hoffmann pumps milk during a work break on her first day back at the office.

Lauren Hoffmann holds her yawning son, Micah, during her last week of maternity leave.

Lauren Hoffmann monitors her son Asa as he climbs a ladder in the nursery planned for his newborn brother Micah.

Lauren Hoffmann talks with her boss on her first day back at work.

Lauren Hoffmann nurses her son Micah during her last week of maternity leave.

Will Hoffmann plays with his son Asa at Sister Creek Vineyards.

Lauren Hoffmann takes some time to herself after putting her sons to bed.