Russian women are afraid to bear children. The demographic crisis has become one of the most acute problems in present-day Russia. Recent financial incentives i.e. a bonus certificate to be paid for a second child and an increased child benefit have failed to impress every Russian woman of childbearing age. Perhaps the incentives fall short of the target because the cost of child support is being calculated by wealthy men in the capacity of government officials. It would be fair to suggest that any woman is able to bear a child thanks to the latest advances in healthcare. The issue boils down to money. The question is: Why are the majority of Russian women still reluctant to fulfill their duty of motherhood? …

Both teachers and pediatricians are appalled by numerous reports on mothers leaving their newborn babies in custody of grandmothers and nursemaids in order to get back to work just a week after the childbirth. Any authority on child health can tell you that an early postnatal separation between the mother and the newborn is arguably the worst thing that can happen to the child. However, young mother have to leave their babies at home and resume working. Earlier this year there was a glimpse of hope for those women who were paid decent salaries prior to taking a maternity leave. Their salaries could have remained intact for at least the period of a maternity leave…

Source: PRAVDA
http://english.pravda.ru/russia/history/07-06-2007/92979-women-0