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Here’s something I never thought I’d say: I just went back to work after a nine-month maternity leave.

This state of affairs is unexpected in part because I’m an American, and maternity leave for many women in America is six to 12 weeks — and much of that requires stockpiling and then cashing in your vacation. Let’s take a moment and all laugh out loud at the idea that newborn care has anything to do with vacation.

This year-long leave is possible because I now live in Canada, where I moved nearly four years ago to be closer to my Toronto-based boyfriend (now my husband). In Canada I can take up to a year of maternity leave and still return to my job. The government provides Employment Insurance —  it’s not a salary replacement but it helps cover some costs while I’m off.

But my lengthy leave is even more surprising because I love what I do. I’m one of the few people I know who went to […]