New parents turn to Internet to raise money for maternity leave

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Having a baby is such a special time in any parent's life. Going back to work after the big event can be excruciating, especially if you have to go back early because you can't afford to stay home.

But there's a new crowdfunding trend where parents are turning to social media to raise money from total strangers to extend their leave time. Moms and dads are starting campaigns on GoFundMe and YouCaring to collect money to pay bills, hire extra child care and cover other expenses that come with parenthood, The Huffington Post reported.

And a Buzzfeed report highlights the growing trend with numbers. A quick "maternity leave" search on GoFundMe returns more than 1,300 results, and nearly 1,000 for "family leave."

Only 12 percent of non-government employees have access to paid family leave, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

The Family and Medical Leave Act requires employers to offer 12 weeks of unpaid leave for new parents, affordable for some, but impossible for families who live on a tight budget.

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