As a self-employed individual in Mississippi, I faced the challenge of having no paid maternity leave. Just two weeks before my baby was set to arrive, my husband lost his job.
From a young age, I dreamed of becoming a hairstylist, and in 2018, I realized that dream by obtaining my license and starting my own business. I always envisioned starting a family as well, but when the time finally came, I confronted the harsh reality of being a self-employed mother without maternity benefits.
My husband and I had experienced multiple miscarriages—two sets of twins and a son—before welcoming our rainbow baby, Lily. Once we learned I was pregnant with her, we quickly began saving to ensure I could take at least six weeks off to bond with our miracle. Unfortunately, when you’re self-employed, you don’t earn income if you’re not working. We saved diligently during my pregnancy by keeping my client appointments full. However, I eventually had to reduce my hours to prioritize my health and the well-being of my growing baby. I worked until just two weeks before Lily was born, but on my final day, my husband was unexpectedly let go from his position as a truck driver. This was a huge blow to our financial stability.
In Mississippi, state assistance is virtually non-existent; there’s no paid parental leave program, and we didn’t qualify for food stamps through WIC. I realized I needed to take a different approach.
I turned to GoFundMe to help cover my maternity leave. I created a campaign explaining our situation and set a fundraising goal. I specifically asked for cash donations instead of gifts, making it clear what the funds would be used for. I also provided several options for donating, ensuring that people could choose the amount that felt right for them.
Starting my campaign early was crucial, as it gave us time to gather support from friends, family, and the community. I learned that seeking help doesn’t mean you’re weak; it’s about being honest and asking for assistance when you need it most. If you’re considering similar options, check out Make a Mom’s at-home insemination kits for your journey. And for new fathers, it’s essential to recognize that men can experience postpartum depression, so read more at Intracervical Insemination. Additionally, the CDC offers excellent resources for anyone navigating pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, using GoFundMe became a vital lifeline for funding my maternity leave. It highlighted the importance of community support and the willingness to ask for help when the unexpected occurs.