Should Marissa Mayer Take a Shortened, Working Maternity Leave?

Abi on July 17th, 2012

Not to be rude or anything, but are you sure she is only 37? She looks much older, maybe its just a bad photo. Congrats to her and her husband. Hopefully she will have an easy delivery and can do what she hopes to do.

Steph on July 17th, 2012

Such a strange story. One, this person is not a celebrity. Two, the choice is no one’s but her own. I think it sounds dreadful, but it’s not my life. And how evolved can this company’s thinking be if she is afraid to take maternity leave?

Leslie on July 17th, 2012

My personal opinion… I wouldn’t have babies if I wasn’t going to raise them myself.

But it’s her life and her child. So if she wants to go right back to work, then she should.

andrea on July 17th, 2012

I’m predicting Caesarean (emergency, of course), bottle feeding (she just didn’t make enough milk) and back to work as soon as she possibly can (the night-nurse is raising the baby, so why not?)

Ana on July 17th, 2012

She should do what she wants. Isn’t it great to have a choice and not have people judge you for it? What I love is that Yahoo’s board did not disqualify her because she is pregnant – they are setting a great example. Well done Yahoo AND Marissa.

Joyful on July 17th, 2012

Probably was already planned with her present work schedule! A person selected to be CEO is already devoted to their career and have made the decision how to balance their life. She perhaps knows that she can love her child and nurture her child and not have to change every diaper, and she probably will have the flexibility to work from home, or have a nursery in the boardroom! This is 2012, women like her, plan on having children and a career. They do not have to chose one over the other. They work to be successful in their careers and providing care by letting someone else help you take care of your child so you can work is what good parents do!

Kathy on July 17th, 2012

It is her decision to make…not ours to question or speculate about…

Anonymous on July 17th, 2012

She deserves the same maternity leave any working mother does. The company hired her KNOWING she is pregnant, so it’s obviously not a problem for them. Why is it an issue for us?

Daisy on July 17th, 2012

I usually don’t criticize People because they’re a celebrity magazine and they do what they’re supposed to do. I wish they’d stop these stupid polls, though, where we’re asked to decide the best way for people we don’t know to conduct their lives. The only opinions that matter are those of the people involved, and we don’t know enough about any of these people to make a judgement.

And Abi, why do people always follow “Not to be rude…” with something rude?

TamIAm on July 17th, 2012

If there was only one way to raise a baby, we’d all be doing it the same. It might be unfathonable to some, but for someone very driven and career-oriented (which she obviously is), it’s probably not even a question. Not every woman has the desire to be at home with her baby. That’s why nannies stay employed. If it was a man who had taken the role and his wife was expecting, it would be a non-issue. This would not have even come up. I don’t know why the expectation for a woman, just because she’s the mother, is any different. And this is coming from someone who IS a stay-at-home mom by the way.

MRJ on July 17th, 2012

I chose “other”. I feel she should do whatever makes her comfortable.

Cindy on July 17th, 2012

It is nice that all mothers can make their own decision. Each family has to take so many details into account when making the final decision. No mother should be judged on the length of their maternity leave. This does not decide if you will be a good mother for the long haul!

really? on July 17th, 2012

Marisa Mayer is an incredibly charismatic and intelligence woman. Women criticizing her looks and her professional decisions should be ashamed of themselves and she IS a celebrity. In Silicon Valley (Startup capital of the world), her name moves mountains. As an ambitious young woman, I find her to be a role model in so many regards.

@ steph, to take on not just a female CEO but a pregnant female CEO is unheard of. So it is very very evolved.

Emily on July 17th, 2012

It’s her decision but I feel bad for the baby. The thing every child wants most if their mother’s attention, and unfortunately her son will have very little of it. Their choice, but a shame.

melissa on July 17th, 2012

It is not unreasonable. I’m our families main breadwinner. I only took off 8 days after having my son via (emergency) c-section. Went on to work 2 30 hour weeks, then back to full time 50 hours a week. Oh yeah, I also nursed for 7 months. It helps when your husband works opposite shifts from you and you know the baby is fine at home with dad. He actually took a 6 week paternity leave

blessedwithboys on July 17th, 2012

Poor baby…why not just give it up for adoption to a family with a mom who puts the needs of her children ahead of her own selfish desire for professional prominance?

I agree with the PP who said “c-sec, bottle feeding, etc…”, but to that I add reactive attachment disorder.

So, so sad!

ND on July 17th, 2012

What about the father? Maybe he is going to take 50% or more responsibility, even in early days of the child’s life. And she can afford good quality child care and to pay a child care worker what s/he deserves.

See “Shared Earning/Shared Parenting Marriage” on Wikipedia. Somewhere between 30-55% of married parents in the US with minor children are doing this these days, some wealthy, some middle class, some with less money.

carla on July 17th, 2012

Emily, So a child doesn’t want its father’s attention as equally the mom’s? And who is to say that Marissa’s child will not have her attention?

Harley on July 17th, 2012

Why does my opinion matter? She’s 37 years old and obviously, quite capable of making decisions. Everyone is entitled to choose what works for their family.

Susan on July 17th, 2012

Shame on all those woman who say “oh she shouldn’t” or “in my opinion”. I pray you don’t have girls.

What kind of world is it where a woman can work her butt off and earn the biggest job of her life to be told how to live her life after she delivers?

Are you teaching your daughters they can’t have it all? Are you saving your money to send your sons to college but not your daughters?

She is extremely wealthy – so I bet she can hire people to manage things managing which breast milk bag is fresh; laundry; driving to and from work. A newborn sleeps how much again? I’m getting a ton of reading done and I’m a single mother by CHOICE.

What about the husband? How come no one is asking if he is taking a step back to be a full time parent? Does he have no role?

Shame those who tell her what to do or how she should do it? Just because you couldn’t get where she is doesn’t mean you can sit around and poke at her.

Susan on July 17th, 2012

OH and to those who whine about attachment disorder maybe you are suffering from that, not your kids.

I had a stay at home mom who martyred herself for her children and now has no purpose in life. We don’t value her presence in our lives and found it more annoying to this day. We tripped and mom came running but we didn’t need her. She needed us.

Oh your child can’t sleep without you or eat without you or thrive without you????? Really maybe you are the one with the problem not the kid.

guest 3 on July 17th, 2012

It is so sad to hear women being so disrespectful of other women. If she was a new father returning to work early or working during “maternity leave” no one would question it. Best wishes to her.

ToRo on July 17th, 2012

How is this anyone’s business but her own?

Alissa on July 17th, 2012

Am I only one thinking that being a CEO of such a huge corporation at 37 is pretty cool? I’m 36 and still haven’t actually started a career, well a paying one that is. Of course, I started having children at 20, so I did the 1950s plan, not the 2010s plan.

On to the baby topic, yes, obviously she isn’t going to be the primary caregiver for her baby. Whether that is right or wrong, depends on her. Moms come in two forms- ones who excel at being SAHM and ones who excel at being working moms- both paths can produce great moms. It’s the moms on the wrong path for them that make not so good moms – only heinous women are bad moms.

Congrats on the new baby and the new job! I wish her the best! Keep on breaking down barriers for the rest of us, Marissa!

Shannon on July 17th, 2012

Her baby, her life. Perhaps her husband is taking paternity leave. Perhaps her family member will help with the new baby. Perhaps she’ll hire a nanny. She has many options.

YC on July 17th, 2012

Are you friggin serious????? The board did not care and you are polling if she should/shouldn’t take a short maternity leave????? What part of Evolved People you did not get?????

Dru on July 17th, 2012

As long as this was actually her decision, I think it’s fine. I hope she wasn’t pressured to do this.

Jenn on July 17th, 2012

How sad that if this were a man with a newborn no one would comment about it at all. It’s none of our business.

Cindy on July 17th, 2012

Wow, glad to see all the assholes out in full force today!

jennifer on July 17th, 2012

OK, people stop criticizing her..she is doing this for unselfish purpose..Yahoo is at the brink of going out of business and needs lots of restructuring. She is just trying to overhaul the company so they can avoid laying off people.

At the end of the day, she is a lot more capable of providing caring and love for her child than so many loser people have kids and then abandoned and abuse them.

cb on July 17th, 2012

Nope, the practice of letting other people — and usually multiple other people — raise our children is not “evolved” in the sense she is using the word — it’s a disaster.

nicaw on July 17th, 2012

Why the flack? She is in the most powerful position at Yahoo! which means if she wants to start an on-site daycare, she can. She can also redecorate her office to accommodate the baby. Not to mention, she’s probably getting paid enough to hire daytime and nighttime nannies.

KatR on July 17th, 2012

Hey, PEOPLE, why don’t you ask these questions about male CEOs who have babies, you sexist assholes.

Clare on July 17th, 2012

What unbelievable comments.

Congratulations Andrea and Blessed with Boys for some of the nastiest comments.

Quick question People editors – if the new Yahoo CEO was named Matthew Mayer and his wife was 28 weeks pregnant, would you be running a poll about how much leave he should be taking?

Jasmine on July 17th, 2012

WOW. Blessedwithboys you should be ASHAMED of yourself. How rude to judge this woman and say she’s going to be a terrible mom based on the fact that she will be working during her maternity leave. REALLY?! SHE should put her baby up for adoption because of that? Are you kidding me right now?!?! She could give that baby so much more love than the average mom and you would never even know. And why is that….oh because it none of your frickin’ business. SHAME ON YOU.

Congrats to Marissa. Hard work, determination, and loving your job does NOT make you a selfish person.

KatR on July 17th, 2012

Yes, PEOPLE, pregnant women work. And guess what? In America a lot of them get NO paid maternity leave. NONE. So quit your pearl clutching.

Bree on July 17th, 2012

Not my kid, not my life. not my choice.

I personally am doing everything in my power to make sure I don’t have to go back to work until all of my kids are in school, but that it my choice. That does not mean I love my daughter any more than she loves he son or vice versa, it just means that we are different people with different, but still valid, approaches to parenting.

Morgan on July 17th, 2012

For reals? What is the point of this poll?

Patricia on July 17th, 2012

She’s a workophilic geek and you don’t stop being a workophilic geek just because you have a baby to take care of in addition to your own giant ever-ticking brain.

Dayna on July 17th, 2012

Would you ever ask this same question of a man?

mary on July 17th, 2012

its her decision but why would she not want the extra time with her baby? To me it seems she is choosing her career over her baby.

Lisa on July 17th, 2012

Why shouldn’t she get the full leave she’s entitled to?

EEK on July 17th, 2012

Personally, I think what she does with her baby is her own business, and taking a short working leave does not automatically make her a bad mother (just as staying at home with a baby does not automatically make anyone a good mother). I work for a tech company, too, and I am only taking off 8 weeks when I have my second baby this fall. I do not plan to work through leave, but that’s because this is my second child and I know better than to think that I will have time for anything during leave except getting the new arrival acclimated.

What bothers me is that Marissa is sending a message to all of her new subordinates at Yahoo by publicly stating that she is only taking a couple of weeks off and planning to work through leave. I feel sorry for other Yahoo employees that are expecting kids (male and female), who will now feel even more pressure to do the same, whether they want to or not. Corporate culture starts at the top, and with this statement, she is already not starting off on the right foot as a compassionate leader.

J on July 17th, 2012

Are you kidding me, People Magazine?! Is it 1962??? Marissa Mayer’s maternity leave is NONE of our damn business! NONE! She is one of the smartest, most successful women in business and her maternity leave is up to her discretion. The fact that you are being so backwards and sexist is pathetic, especially given the fact that (i’m sure) the majority of your readers are women

Frances on July 17th, 2012

Wow, would you be taking the same poll if Mark Zuckerberg decided to take a new job two months before his first kid is born? Articles like this are why women struggle with shattering the glass ceiling.

Rachel on July 17th, 2012

Well, of course, unless she quits her job, cuts herself off from any activities outside the home, including friends and family who would only distract her from the attention her little one needs, and will devote every waking moment to making sure her eyes are only on her child, she is a horrible mother!

*sarcasm*

maureen on July 17th, 2012

Congratulations to her for her hard work–excelling in her field AND for welcoming her first child with her husband. I am a midwife who sees ALL kinds of women have babies and each of them choose what they think is best–either by hard work and careful planning or by benign neglect–living in the moment. I wish her well for her family and her new career endeavors. Perhaps many are jealous because they don’t have the same choices available to them as she does. Guess what–she worked for it!!!!!!!!

Rachel on July 17th, 2012

Women are each others worst enemies. So much for sisterhood.

lili4582 on July 17th, 2012

@ Maureen: BEST COMMENT EVER!!!!! I couldn’t say it better!

nancy on July 17th, 2012

Why is this even newsworthy? Guess what, pregnancy isn’t a disability, she should work. After I had my 4th child, I had a tubal ligation, and my father died, and I went back to work as a nurse working 12 hour night shifts after only 3 weeks. Why? Because I didn’t have enough paid time off to take any more than that, and we needed my paycheck.

meghan on July 17th, 2012

blessedwithboys, not every woman wants a five year old hanging off of their tit. Doesn’t make them bad moms.

People, you should be ashamed for even running this article. It’s nobody’s business and incredibly sexist.

Melissa on July 17th, 2012

As an educated working woman who likes to indulge in a little celebrity gossip every now and then, I am appalled by this poll. I second other commenters who have asked if People would be asking this if Yahoo had hired a man who was expecting a baby. I’m not sure I’ll read People as often.

To the women who have suggested that she isn’t going to raise her baby or that she is somehow slighting this child, shame on you! Why do you think that the only way to raise a child is for the female parent to give up her career to stay with the child? Are you aware that it is possible to work and parent (even breastfeed) at the same time? I work for a female executive who returned to work 2 weeks after the birth of her child. She and her husband shared duties and she was able to create a flexible schedule that worked for her family. AND she breastfed until the child was 18 months. I would be proud to be the child of this accomplished woman, as I am proud to be the daughter of a woman who showed me that it is possible to be a loving mother and have a successful career.

Lila on July 17th, 2012

I fully admire the fact that she is embracing the idea of having ‘it all’. Agree with all the comments that in her position of power she will have more resources, flexibility, and options than any reasonable woman. Anyone who has found the career success she has at her age will ‘find a way’ to do this well. Remember this is silicon valley who have very open minds to work, work/life balance, and flexbility in the workplace. Go for it – we are turning the corner. Impressive!

PS on July 17th, 2012

It’s a sad reflection on how many companies are still unaccommodating toward mothers in the workforce if people here are saying what they have, and believe a CEO would be forced to give up spending time with her baby to keep her job. I’ve been fortunate in that I work for a company that’s allowed me to put my child’s needs first without repercussions, which has been so important given my child’s disabled. I wish more corporations and smaller businesses would learn that it’s bad for business when they don’t honor a family’s need to put their children first, especially as someday, those children could be their CEOs and may completely change the rules so their own families don’t have to suffer.

Louise on July 17th, 2012

GO MAUREEN!! + a gazillion. And “blessedwithboys” – your id says it all. Girls would be what?

This isn’t anyone’s business but the parents’. Shame on you, People.

Carol on July 17th, 2012

Why are men being compared? Men do not carry and birth babies. Men do not breastfeed. It is like comparing apples to oranges. Equality is important but it does not negate biology. So yes, she is being judged as a woman. You know, women, we’re supposed to be nurturers to our children. But these days saying that somehow means you are against having a career. Thing is, you can have a career just don’t expect to have it all unless having it all means cutting your maternity leave short to hand your newborn over to a nanny while you try to save a sinking ship.

LN on July 17th, 2012

Hmmm….doesn’t sound to me like the company is very progressive. A working maternity leave? The whole idea of maternity leave is for the mother to spend the much needed quality time with her newborn.

This country doesn’t offer mothers enough maternity leave as is needed, compared to most other “progressive” countries around the world, who understand the importance of child rearing and that much needed bonding time between mother and child.

If Yahoo was as progressive as they are made out to be, they should insist that their new boss take the normal maternity leave and not encourage her to return to work early. While the decision is purely hers, it doesn’t seem fair to the baby for her to go back to work early.

Geez! Why bother having babies if you don’t want to make time for them. A nanny isn’t a replacement for a mother. Maybe once the baby comes, she will change her mind and decide that the new infant is the priority, and not the job. In the long run, what you put in to raising your children, is what you will get out of it. And, in the end, a job is just a job…but your children are everything.

Jayna on July 17th, 2012

You know what? I love that People is asking this question. It’s a totally valid, totally acceptable question to debate in today’s society.

On the other hand, I’m amazed that some women here in comments are so judgmental. This woman has built an amazing career — good for her! Why should her child dictate her next steps? The child is entering HER life. That child will be privileged (how lucky for baby boy) and likely will go grow up with a loving mother and strong role model. This woman has earned her wealth — good for her– and the child will benefit from it, whether she is with him 24/7 or not. In fact, the child and the mother will likely be MORE well adjusted because of her background. Good for her. And congrats. 37 and CEO after a very smart and impressive career.

Please, commenters, stop judging based on your own lives, and appreciate the perspective. I do.

Tee Tee on July 17th, 2012

To be honest, I don’t understand it at all. I will never understand women that choose to have babies and then just up and hand them off to someone else a few weeks later. I know that sometimes you don’t have a choice. Single parents, for example. But the majority of women do have some choice in the matter and still choose to leave their children.

I know this won’t be the most popular comment but it is my honest opinion. I am in no way judging working Moms. I’m simply giving my thoughts on it all.

amy on July 17th, 2012

I think it is sad. I can’t imagine ever looking back on your life and saying, “I wish that I would have worked more and had less time with my newborn baby”, but I can definitely imagine looking back and wishing the opposite.

Susan on July 17th, 2012

Regarding her working through maternity leave and how this affects other Yahoo employees

People she is the highest paid person in the company. This means she has certain responsibilities above and beyond a VP or an admin.

This won’t set a standard for women at Yahoo but it could improve it.

She also knew she was pregnant when she interviewed. She knew what the job entailed and she kept going. You don’t become a CEO or a computer scientist by being stupid.

Tech companies are known for their flexible hours and work from home policies. Yahoo is no exception. If you don’t know about this use yahoo to find out the unemployment rate for computer scientists (it ranges from 3 to 4.8%) . Tech companies made working from home possible.

And again a baby sleeps for how long – what is a successful, RICH woman to do then watch the baby sleep or can she read things on her iPad or make a call. She’s not doing laundry like the rest of us.

Kat on July 17th, 2012

A POLL?!? Seriously, People? Come on… this is no ones business but she and her family. Ridiculous.

rhonda on July 17th, 2012

Dear people Magazine stop making controversy where there should not be any!!!!!!

Lauren on July 17th, 2012

Is this poll for real? Get a life. She has one and it’s hers. I can’t believe this article exists and people take the time to vote for it? Seriously? It is her decision, her child, her marriage, her career…bottom line. I run my own event company and have 2 little ones, my husband is very involved, I have an excellent nanny. My kids are fine, life goes on.

Karen on July 17th, 2012

Why Not? When I die I so much rather leave my child knowing I was the CEO of Yahoo and that I put my career before everything including him, than him remembering the love and caring that I showed to him in that I stayed home with him for all of the allotted time. Who needs a mom anyway, right??

Jayna on July 17th, 2012

These two comments from @TeeTee and @LN are appalling to me, as a working woman who is proud and engaged in her career:

–”To be honest, I don’t understand it at all. I will never understand women that choose to have babies and then just up and hand them off to someone else a few weeks later.”

–”Geez! Why bother having babies if you don’t want to make time for them. A nanny isn’t a replacement for a mother.”

What happened to choice? What happened to diversity? Everyone makes their own decisions in this country. This woman will likely choose to raise her child in a safe, loving environment with help. That is the reality. She likely will not be handing her child off to a cold machine or crazy weirdo. And whoever Marissa likely hires for child care will likely be vetted and chosen for being a compassionate caregiver whom she entrusts with the life of her child. What is there to criticize for that? Better to have a 100% happy mother who will love her child than one who resents that child.

And you know what else CBB and People commenters? Women make their own decisions. Not all of us have wealth or support to both have a fulfilling career and exceptional parenting. Choices have to be made, and they’re not always the choices that make the mother happy. Why sleight someone who can have both? Congrats to Marissa for having the life she wanted and desired.

Celebrate, don’t judge, don’t hate.

And for those who take the conversation back to economics, you know what? You’re right. Partially. While some women are struggling because of their personal situations, this woman made good decisions for herself early in life. Good for her. She had opportunity. She was employee No. 20 at Google! Why debase her for it? We’re not all the same, this country is very diverse in many ways. Accept it and allow it.

Eliza on July 17th, 2012

I’m sure, like most new moms, she can figure out what is best for her child and for her family as a whole. I also think it’s wonderful that the Yahoo board didn’t consider it an issue – things sure have come a long way for working mothers (at least in some places!) I congratulate Ms. Mayer on all the exciting things going on in her life!

Ella on July 17th, 2012

Yah, sorry, I refuse to participate in this poll. It’s not up to anyone but the parents to decide what is right for their family, so bugger off.

yawn on July 17th, 2012

We aren’t in the 50s any more. Woman have children and go back to work every day. Its called economics. You know, paying bills. Not every woman can marry someone that makes enough to live on one income. Its her choice to take a short maternity leave. Yahoo didn’t tell her too. You woman with the ugly comments need to get over yourself.

kimmie on July 17th, 2012

What’s the difference between a CEO that works full time and comes home and spends every single moment with her son, and a stay at home mom Blessedwithboys that spends every single moment of her waking hours on internet and doesn’t pay attention to her children at all ….

Whose children are better off?!

kimmie on July 17th, 2012

Oh, and the Oscar for bringing the worst out of people goes to … Celebrity babies.

Polly on July 17th, 2012

She’s a working mom, just like many of us are or our own mothers were. Assuming that she can’t raise her child because of her job is archaic. And, the dad isn’t mentioned at all. It’s possible he is able to stay home. Instead of criticizing her, be proud that a female is in a position of such leadership and able to have a family. If a man was in the same situation, there would be no article.

ecl on July 17th, 2012

I have a number of thoughts about this situation.

First, I agree that it was progressive to hire a pregnant woman.

Second, I agree with EEK that it would be more progressive to set a better standard for parental leave for her company. It’s one thing to hire a pregnant woman who is willing to sacrifice her personal life for her company and another to promote work/life balance.

Don’t kid yourselves that Silicon Valley is better than the rest of the country on this issue. I am currently doing research on this subject, in this area, and have read many other studies that show that flex time is largely a myth. Even if it is offered, it is often not used because people expect that it will hurt their upward mobility.

But I also don’t have a double standard. I think that men, too, should be fighting for better work/life balance. This is not just a woman’s issue, it’s an issue for all of us. This is what happens when you live in a massively capitalistic society in which money is everything and companies treat their employees as expendable and not worthy of any compassionate treatment.

VW on July 17th, 2012

Remind me–why is this our business? Apart from the fact that Marissa M is FAR more successful than we will ever be. Opinions, maybe, but can you seriously imagine that anyone cares what we–you–think?

Michelle on July 17th, 2012

Good for her! I think she is amazing for earning such a fantastic career opportunity at 37.

I am no Yahoo CEO, but I am a business professional. As a consultant, I enjoy the opportunity of working from home so I will be home with my twins everyday. During the busy times, I will need a nanny to come in and help out, but I will be at home.

However, I also get no maternity leave. I only get paid if I am working. No work – no money. I’m the boss that’s the way it works.

My c-section (twins) is planned for 12/19 and I will be back to work after the first of the year. Just an hour or two here and there – which is what I think she plans to do as well – but I will be working. And I am ok with that.

Having that balance is what will make me a good mother not a bad mother.

VK on July 18th, 2012

Babies have a way of messing with the “rhythm of things”, but she’s entitled to these last few months of blissful ignorance. How very evolved of this company to allow her to swap a maternity leave for the highly desireable ability to pencil in time with her newborn. No worries though. She’ll make due, or should I say her nannies will make due. It’s better her kid bond with the nannies early since that’s who will be raising him in the long run.

LoK on July 18th, 2012

I wish I was her. Lucky! For real, she can afford all the help she’ll ever need and will probably end up being a more happy and secure mother because she’ll maintain her sense of self.

Lauren on July 18th, 2012

Blessedwithboys is clearly just high on the fame from her Time Magazine breast feeding cover and doesn’t know what she’s saying.. Give her a break, everyone! She doesn’t realize that her comment makes her sound like a smug, entitled, judgmental mommy blogger with no job skills except “caring for babies” who is setting the women’s movement back. Clearly she is who we should listen to!

Sara on July 18th, 2012

What is the point of having this child she is never going to see? I wish woman at this level of their career would get over themselves and not have children. They treat them like a car or house to be achieved, not a new life to guide. Have a great career, but not to the detriment of your child/ren.

Cath on July 18th, 2012

There seems to be something missing in this equation. The baby. Babies EXPECT to be with their mother. That’s fact and it’s selfish to go back to work after a short time when that will have an impact on the child. If you don’t want to raise a baby fine. But don’t have one.

guest on July 18th, 2012

This was no doubt decided before she was offered a contract. If she told Yahoo that she would take a shortened leave, and work from home, then she must stick to that.

lee on July 18th, 2012

why have a baby if you can’t even devote this most important time to it?

Maybe her company will thrive with her at the helm, and the poor baby will have a nanny….maybe that’s better under these circumstances.

Shelby on July 18th, 2012

I love all these people who are saying “oh Yahoo’s not evolved” or they are “making her take a short leave” or that she “should get what she’s entitled to”. No one even considers the fact that this was a CHOICE she made. She has worked her entire career to get to this point, putting her in a position to make choices about her flexibility and plans. Maybe she would rather work a few weeks at “half speed” then having total time off and coming back to an onslaught and spending no time with the baby then. Geez people, let’s celebrate her for two huge accomplishments!

aga on July 18th, 2012

And what is she going to do with the baby? take it to work? hand it over to someone else to watch it during the day? … there is a good mothering step. One would assume that for who (at that age) has a child finally would like to enjoy being with the baby more than being back at work- especially since money is not an issue. Nobody questions the fact that the best thing for the baby is to be with the mother for months not just days after birth.

Jen DC on July 18th, 2012

I think it’s no one’s business. Her familial arrangements are her business. But I also don’t think speculation will hurt. (Self-serving! I want to comment!)

It is highly doubtful that (a) her maternity leave isn’t planned or as flexible as anyone’s could possibly get as she’s the CEO of the company; (b) that she hasn’t discussed this with her partner and they haven’t come to an agreement/arrangement with regard to childcare. She’s not the only parent available to stay home with the baby, you know. It appears that the kid just might have a father willing – nay, DESIROUS – of caring for him. It is not at all unusual for the higher paid parent to work, regardless of sex, and the lesser paid parent to stay home with the child.

That being said, look at the totality of her situation. She’s the CEO – she’s making her hours, AND she’s in technology. I think there is generally more flexibility in the technology field for unusual scheduling. And since she’s the CEO, it’s not as though there is anyone to tell her what her schedule should be – she’s not bound to 9 to 5, M-F like most of us commenting here. The point I’m trying to make is, yes, she will be working many, many hours at a demanding job; however her overall flexibility is likely greater than the average American worker’s, thus I doubt her schedule will more than averagely adversely impact (if at all) her child’s wellbeing.

It’s all fine and good if you want to take potshots at this woman and decry her as a horrible mother-in-the-making, but at least do a cursory look at the facts and try to make your dissension sensible…

lynn on July 18th, 2012

A nanny will raise the child-happens all the time with wealthy Americans. Having a baby was just the next thing she thought she needed to do. Hope child is born healthy, as his life is already planned out for mom. Heaven forbid if he needs to stay in hospital longer or has illness, that would interfere with moms plans. Is the company really going to fold if she takes a reg. maternity leave and works some from home? Guess she wants to prove as a woman she can do it all. I see one child in their future, too busy with climbing the corporate ladder. Just my opinion, and we all have them, nothing wrong with that.

Tee Tee on July 18th, 2012

Jayna, I meant no offence by my comment. I was simply offering my opinion and I said as much. I can’t speak for anyone else but like I said above, I judge no one. Judging is not my place. I’m sorry that my opinion upset you, I really am, but I was completely polite in it.

Clare on July 18th, 2012

Sara – Do you feel that men who have high powered demanding jobs should also forego having children? After all, they don’t spend nearly as much time with them as a dad with a 40 hour a week job.

Sandy on July 18th, 2012

Some type A’s like her think they can have it all & yes if you have the money to hire a good nanny- you can, but something always suffers or falls short. I respect her desire for career but she has no clue yet about balancing time with career and baby.

She has yet to hold that newborn baby in her arms. Just wait- that makes it VERY hard. I feel she should at least give a few short weeks just to her baby- you should not have to work thru your maternity leave. That is time to hold, love, bond, and get to know your newborn. I have a feeling her baby is going to be spending A LOT of time with a nanny. To me that is sad- but women do it.

christa on July 18th, 2012

She can afford nannies and probably has a housekeeper, so if she wants too, she should do it. But in this country of ours, someone will now try to overturn the law for maternity leave. They will say, she did it, so can the rest of the women.

Anonymous on July 18th, 2012

Ivanka Trump did the same, so what? It is a personal decision.

Meg on July 18th, 2012

People, you shoukd be ashamed of yourself. You never would have set up this poll for a 37 year-old male whose partner is seven-months pregnant. Sexist and WRONG.

stee on July 18th, 2012

I worked with a woman who had a baby on a Thursday and was back to work on Tuesday. It was her second baby so I don’t know if she took a full maternity leave with her first.

Who are the rest of us to judge what someone decides?

Shannon on July 18th, 2012

They should’ve remained childless. Obviously they don’t want to take time to devote to a newborn despite being financially secure. Too busy with their careers like most people in the States. One parent should stay home in the early months of a child’s life. No doubt about it. No wonder there are so many young people on YouTube and Facebook looking for validation and attention from others. Many of these people did not get adequate love and attention from their parents!

Is she really 37? She looks like Martha Stewart. Girl needs a break, baby or not. Eek.

Working Mom on July 18th, 2012

24/7 child care and spending massive amounts of money don’t = parenting or love. They = outsourcing.

Hea on July 18th, 2012

I personally find it sad but it’s up to her. It doesn’t really matter what I think. I come from a country with at least year of paid maternity/paternity leave. I’m not really used to this idea.

Mary on July 18th, 2012

I think it’s really sad, having a baby and not planning to raise him/her full time. She hasn’t even given birth and already has a disconnect from her baby. It’s not a puppy, it’s a baby.

I actually feel sorry for all she will be missing on raising her precious baby. I am a SAHM and I look back to when my kids were babies and those days were the happiest of my life. I don’t regret my decision for one second.

JanieG on July 18th, 2012

She is obviously one of the most high powered executives in the country. I had a great job before I had babies, too. Certainly not at her level, but still, a great job. Being a parent is a whole other level of responsibility. You don’t realize that until the baby arrives. She may have a new mindset once the baby is actually here.

CURT on July 18th, 2012

FEDERAL LAW WAS PASSED TO ALLOW PREGNANT WOMEN 12 WEEKS PER CALENDAR YEAR FOR MATERNITY LEAVE, AS KATHY LEE PROFESSED.. I HAD 4 EMPLYEES CAPABLE OF DOING A JOB THAT SUPPORTED 20 OTHER EMPLOYEES. 1 WAS A YOUNG LADY WHO DECIDED TO GET PREGNANT. SHE WAS DUE IN NOVEMBER AND GOT A DOCTORS NOTE TO BE OFF OCT-NOV-DEC OF THIS YEAR AND THEN GOT ANOTHER FOR JAN FEB MARCH. SHE WAS OFF FOR 6 MONTHS AND THE OTHER 3 EMPLOYEES WERE FORCED TO DO HER WORK ON OVERTIME, WHICH THEY DID NOT WANT . BEING A FEDERAL AGENCY, POSTAL SERVICE, I WAS NOT ALLOWED TO REPLACE HER , EVEN TEMPORARILY, OR USE A FILL IN PERSON. THIS LAW WAS MADE TO PROTECT WOMEN BUT LOOK HOW QUICKLY IT CAN BE ABUSED AND 23 HARD WORKING DEDICATED EMPLOYEES ALL SUFFERED.

Anonymous on July 18th, 2012

As a young woman currently applying to medical school, I am thankful for women like Marissa Mayer. Growing up, both of my parents worked and I was raised by a nanny. I don’t resent my mom at all for her decisions and we enjoy a very loving relationship.

Anonymous on July 18th, 2012

The fact that People would even post this poll disgusts me. As a working woman, I know that nothing is harder than navigating through the career ladder while trying to further family relationships. We have no idea what Ms. Mayer’s life is like, and it is ridiculous for us to even think we might know what she is going through. How one balances work and children is a VERY personal decision and no one has a right to judge. I hope the editors of people magazine realize that they are turning off readers by posting such horrid content.

Amy on July 18th, 2012

Is this seriously a poll asking a bunch of strangers what this accomplished, successful woman should in regards to her private choices involving her career and motherhood? Disgusting. Shame on you People.

Jeanne on July 18th, 2012

What I find galling is that all of you who are so horrified by her decision don’t seem to think men are capable of taking care of babies. Did you ever consider the possibility that she’d be leaving the baby with his FATHER? Are responsible, loving dads not good enough to care for their own children? It absolutely HAS to be the mom? It’s the 21st century people. Get with the times.

Sunny on July 18th, 2012

This is nobody’s concern but her and her husband.

Anonymous on July 18th, 2012

Naturally everyone is entitled to do what they want, but as a working mother of three – currently on maternity leave – I feel that a few weeks is extremely short. After the delivery – be it c-section or natural birth – I think every woman deserves at least 2 weeks of healing and bonding time as well as after that some time with their new baby. I have realized with each child that the first year goes so fast and you should really enjoy the newborn phase. I do not live in the US and it feels incredible that you would take a) only a few weeks and b) most of American mothers go back to work after a few months…

I live in a country where the paid maternity leave is 9months, but you can stay home with a child -with some governmental benefits and without losing your job. Most mothers stay at home the 1st year and dads take at least 6wks of paternity leave. Mothers at least in Scandinavia can have it all! Take a year to bond with your child or more, if you desire and then go back to work… This does not mean that women will not have equality as we have had e.g. a female president. And you have not!

Do short or mini-maternity leaves help women in their careers or does it make any difference?

rinaade on July 18th, 2012

We as women needs to be supportive, kind and encouraging instead of being so rude, judgment and spiteful. This country has discriminated against women for so many years regarding our available to perform at the same level as men. And to see women like Marissa Mayer, Hilary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, Madeleine Albright etc(regardless of our political background)so successful and making a difference in the world, we need to applaud them and support them. To all the women on this blog that are being so disrespectful, remember that there’s a possibility that it could be your daughter in this same position as Marissa Mayer and I donot think you will like if people were being so harsh towards your daughter.

P.S you people that are doing all the judging and bad mouthing this woman need to take a look at all the heartache, drama, lost of jobs and lives some of the smartest men around the world has cause us all to suffer. BERNIE MADOFF, KENNETH LAY/JEFFREY SKILLING(ENRON), ARTHUR ANDERSEN(supposely the best audit company) WORLD COM’S CEO(S), Karl Rove, Dick Cheney and his once CIF, etc

Ill discussing this woman ability to be a mom and a CEO of a company is wrong and disrespectful.

Lis on July 18th, 2012

It’s funny, I was JUST having this coversation the other day…as much as many people do not want to admit it, and as much as people will disagree with me, MOTHERS cannot have it ALL. Everyone says that YES, we can. But the truth is, no, we cannot. There will be sacrifices made, hence, it is impossible to have it all…

You cannot have be 100% devoted to your children AND have a full time career. It is just not possible. With that being said, I do NOT find anything wrong with a mother working full-time. Period. I have met many people throughout my life who’s mothers worked full-time and are perfectly happy, well-adjusted adults with no repercussions of their upbringing, in fact many had happy childhoods. So I find it perfectly fine for a mother to work if that’s what makes her/her family happy. The babies children will be fine as long as they are cared for and have plenty of QUALITY time with their parents.

This is not the path I chose for myself/my family, however, I am able to see both sides.

My point is: mothers cannot have it all. And that notion needs to come to an end so women aren’t so shocked when they have a baby and realize what they will be giving up, etc…

Leslie on July 18th, 2012

Until men can give birth and breastfeed, the question of “why aren’t you comparing men who go back to work?” is moot.

Cassie on July 18th, 2012

hahah @meaghan – agreed about the comment regarding blessedwithboys!

Motheroftwo on July 18th, 2012

Wow people you really need to get lives, out here criticizing a woman who is in a great position to do as she pleases, not everyone does the full 6 weeks after or takes time prior to having the child. I certainly didn’t I went until I went in labor and then 6 days later went straight back to normal life. It’s 2012 people, the ability to make up one’s own mind is an amazing thing! Not everyone is the same and I am sure her baby will be more than loved by her and her husband!!

ForeverMoore on July 18th, 2012

I wonder if she will regret her decision once her baby is here? Before baby arrives, its easy to think of what you will do in the situation but sometimes it changes after birth. I could not imagine being away or distracted from my newborn…those moments are so precious! Best of luck to her though!

ivy on July 18th, 2012

she should not have a baby, why? what is the point? to see it a couple hours a day, not bond with it, let someone else hold it and soothe, just ridiculous. and she looks so old, way older than me and we are the same age. i feel bad for the baby, just a status symbol.

Lyoness on July 18th, 2012

Wow. Instead of celebrating the hiring of a woman CEO (a VERY young woman at that) because there are SO few women CEOs, people are tearing her down because of her plan. Her plan (key emphasis HER) may or may not go down the way she wants. This is her first baby so she’s new to the game.

If Yahoo! is anything like Google (they’re EXTREMELY generous with their employees), she’ll be ok going back to work. Plus, she works in the tech industry. She probably will do lots of telecommuting, teleconferencing, and other things from home. If she goes into the office, I’m sure she can bring the baby and it won’t be a problem. The baby also has a father who loves him and cares for him too. I’m sure she has extended family as well like other people.

Instead of ripping her to shreds, the REAL questions that we should be asking are what type of deal did she worked out with Yahoo!. Maybe some of these non-tech businesses can take notes on how to retain key female (and male) talent. I like that Yahoo! said “meh” to the fact she was pregnant and went after her anyway. Shows they went after talent and vision at any cost.

kim on July 18th, 2012

I guess my question is–if she was still with Google–would she have been taking more time than she is with yahoo?? if that answer is yes–then i feel her dcision is not right–with that said–its still her decision.

i understand how alot of women feel the can have it all andi did too at one time–no that i stay at home with my kids–i ask myself the question–why did i want it all–thats alot of work!!

i read a quote somewhere that said “if you dont have time to sit and read the bible everyday–then your bussier than god had planned for you”–for me that was a huge statement.

In the end its her decision–this child will not be neglected in anyway i am sure–lots of ceo’s have kids that turn out right–donald trumps kids seem to be just fine…

Estoria on July 18th, 2012

Haha Andrea you are so right! Work is the priority here, not the child. Motheroftwo, six weeks is pretty pathetic so saying some people don’t take the full time makes me laugh! So glad I am in Canada where we get a full year. The USA is at the bottom of the pile as far as maternity leave goes. It is a crying shame.

Quote From The Huffington Post:

In a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the majority of the United States (excluding two states) received a failing grade in providing women and new mothers support entering motherhood.

In at least 178 countries around the world, paid leave is guaranteed for working moms, while more than 50 countries provide wage benefits for fathers, according to the ILO. The United States, along with Papua New Guinea, Swaziland, Liberia and Lesotho are some of the only countries in the world that provide no type of financial support for mothers, according to a study done by McGill University’s Institute for Health and Social Policy.

Maternity leaves aren’t simply a matter of time off for childcare — they can also strongly impact the rest of a child’s life. According to a report by non-governmental organization Save The Children, in countries with longer periods of parental leave, children were found to be breastfed for longer and their life expectancy was higher.

Something to chew on.

Maria on July 18th, 2012

well two things could happen. Either she will tuck the baby into her busy life and have it raised by nannies and focus solely on her career. Or she will find the child and her role as Mom so life changing that she will be willing to let go of some of her work and surprise herself by her new priorities to tend her child. I don’t know this lady so I cannot predict which way she will go. I know that when I had my first child 2 yrs ago it changed me so much more than I expected that I Was willing to give up things I never thought I would in order to better accomodate our new life as a family.

Lacey on July 18th, 2012

Seriously?? You people are complaining that she should raise her own child, if she going to have one?

First off-this isn’t a normal job; she the CEO of Yahoo, one the largest websites on the web!

Second-She could hire a fleet of nanny to not only care for her child at home, but always in her office-which i’m sure the size of an apartment and

Third-You would NEVER say that to the woman next door that had to work to support her family. Marissa has work hard for years to got in this position and is no different from any other working mother out there.

Any woman out there that says she would give up a CEO position, getting paid millions; to sit a home and watching Elmo with their child is lieing out their…..

smbaze on July 19th, 2012

Repect her decision? Sure. Agree with it? No.

While I believe in a parents right to choose what works best for their family, it seems unreasonable to take a shortened leave(a request not made by her company), and one that you plan to work through at that. Sure, you satisfy your need to prove to your company that you are dedicated, but at what cost? If you know that you will be returning to a demanding job soon after your child is born, why not make the very most of the precious time you do have to spend with them throughout your leave? Where is the balance? Sure, women can have it all, but it doesn’t have to be all at the same time, all the time.

Lastly, give Kudos to Yahoo for NOT making her pregnancy an issue? Really? Shouldn’t this be the expectation?

lovely123 on July 19th, 2012

She is going to make one nanny VERY rich!

lovely123 on July 19th, 2012

I am lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mother with a child care business. I see it in the mom’s eyes when they drop off that they wish they could be the ones that stay at home. Like all the other posts, it is her decision. Her body, her right to decide.

Shannon on July 19th, 2012

Women should stop trying to be men. It’s okay to take time off from work for the most important role in life.

Julia on July 19th, 2012

Sure it is. And it’s also “okay” to return to work at whatever time makes sense for her family, her career, and her circumstances. It’s “okay” for a mother not to be the SOLE source of care, comfort, and nurturing for a new baby (or infant or toddler or etc…) Since we know precious little about her home life and family, perhaps the baby’s father, an aunt or uncle, a grandparent, or a loved and trusted caregiver (or all of those folks) will play a role in the child’s care, along with Ms. Mayer. It’s not a binary equation: Mother alone takes sole responsibility for care of new baby OR baby is left to be raised by strangers.

kirsty on July 19th, 2012

Yahoo does not need to offer her any maternity leave, you need to be employed for at least one year for your job to have to give you FMLA. Having said that she could have easily said I want this much time off, say six weeks, I believe that is the time frame your dr gives you for a normal delivery and 8 weeks for a c section. Sure its not my business what she does, but I do think you miss out on a lot, plus you need time to recover. I am a SAHM, but my two SILs work and I dont have a problem with it, thats what they need to do for their families!

John on July 19th, 2012

Wow, this Marissa Meyer is a real piece of shit. Here this woman is already a multi-millionaire and she is going go to work …when she doesn’t need to … instead of staying home and taking care of her baby. Horrible, horrible, horrible. This is why I gave up on American women a long time ago and will be marrying a foreign woman soon. American women have been brain-washed by the liberal media and educational system to think like a man … and be like a man … instead of being a real woman and having children and raising them – being a mother. I feel sorry for her child. I really do. Let me guess, she’s going to hire some other woman to breast feed her child and to take care of her child. And yes, she probably will have a c-section … so she can hurry up and get back to work. Sad. Feel sorry for her child.

lovely123 on July 20th, 2012

Hey John, I think American women gave up on you and your attitude a long time ago. This is probably the reason you went looking in another country for a woman. This way they don’t understand your gibberish.

Lene on July 20th, 2012

In my little corner of the world, I see Mom’s and Dad’s who put themselves first. I see kids you are down right brats and bullies and parents that have no clue because they are too busy making money to afford that high end car and oversized mansion. I call it the “keeping up with Jones syndrome” I want women to be treated equal in the work place, but not at the price of a generation who’s morals and values are lacking. So that being said, we as a nation need to put the family first….and do right by the children making it so both parents are there to nurture and teach their offspring to be great human beings.

meghan on July 22nd, 2012

I feel sorry for John’s fiancee.

workingmomandhappy on July 23rd, 2012

Shame on so many of you. Congrats to the SAHM who said it is really about happiness. I am a working mom who knows from first hand knowledge that I am miserable when at home. I worked hard at getting my education and enjoy what I do. I know my son understands this. He tells others – “my mommy helps people.” I know SAHM who are great at what they do. I also know working moms and SAHM that are not great mother’s. It is about knowing what you want and having the conviction to do it. I never feel as if I have to “sacrifice” anything important. I sacrifice housework, cooking, and yard work. I do not live in a home that is magazine ready; however, it is healthy and we as a family are happy. However, I read to my son every day. I do homework with him. I flex my schedule to be at school. I nursed for 23 months. We still (he is six) cuddle every night before bed. It is about flexibiilty – not only at work but at home. My husband does a lot with my son and around the house as well as working. My son knows the importance of us working as a team. My husband and I know what is important to us and we follow through on that. So, my son only gets a bath every other night instead of every night. I use pre-packaged food sometimes, etc. As for those who speak of reactive attachment. Do you know what that is at all? I doubt it. Children suffering from RAD are usually neglected, orphaned or abused. I have worked with children with many issues. Many of them with stay at home mom’s who are ill equiped to handle parenting, not working wealthy mom’s who have the resources to have a child cared for while they are off providing for them. To avoid RAD they need consistancy, touch, and to have all their basic needs met. That can be by a parent, a grandparent, a nanny, or a good daycare.