AS A working mother of a seven-year-old daughter, I am glad that the Government is encouraging families to have babies by mandating four months' maternity leave and six days of childcare leave.

However, employers need to be more open and not focus solely on potential losses.

I suggest that students from polytechnics and Institutes of Technical Education be hired as temporary staff to stand in for employees on maternity leave.

This would be a good opportunity for them to get some work experience.

My husband and I feel that the benefits are not enough as the first two years of a child's life are crucial to his/her development.

Mothers want to spend more time with their children right after their birth. To us, money does not matter, but the time we have for our child is very important.

We were hoping that the Government would extend the maternity- leave period to one year, and hence were disappointed to hear the news.

Mothers who do not have the support of parents or in-laws will have a tough time as they will either have to raise their children alone or rely on the help of a maid.

Leaving one's child to a maid might not be safe, and parents would be worrying throughout the day and find themselves unable to focus at work.

I went through bringing up a newborn seven years ago, and feel relieved now that my daughter has grown up. To have another child and to go through the process again is a daunting task.

My husband and I will rethink our decision to have another child if the Government extends the period of maternity leave beyond that of the current four months.

Ms Maisuri Abdul Karim

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