Taking paid leave allowed me to focus on and bond with my new son during the critical period of his first weeks of life. My husband also had leave, and his relationship with our now-toddler is so close. The time allowed me to heal, for both of us to settle into and become comfortable with our new role as parents, and for us to find a child care arrangement we were happy with before going back to work. We were very fortunate, and I know many people lack the opportunity. It is vital that the Council pass this leave law to extend paid leave and job protections to all DC workers.
