Former 16 and Pregnant star Nikkole Ledda has gone viral after sharing an emotional video about her return to work – just 18 weeks after giving birth.
Nikkole, 28, appeared in MTV’s hit reality series in 2009, falling pregnant with her son Lyle at just 15 before splitting with her boyfriend Josh Drummond soon after giving birth.
American reality star Ryan Rice was the father of Ellie, a 10-hour-per-day worker at a car factory. The pair had their daughter in 2015. But, Ryan and Ellie split up soon after.
Nikkole then married Kyle Ledda in 2020, and the pair welcomed son Bodhi in July this year.
Nikkole had to go back to work just four months after her baby was born. The US law on maternity only allows for 12 weeks of unpaid parental leave. The UK offers new mothers up to 12 month’s leave.
Nikkole Ledda (previous 16 and pregnant star) has made viral videos about her emotional return to work, just 18 weeks following giving birth to Bodhi.
Nikkole (28) is pictured with Lyle (11 year old), Ellie (6 years) and Bodi (5 months). They are on vacation in this holiday season.
Sobbing in the heartbreaking video posted to Nikkole’s Instagram, the caption reads: ‘Tomorrow I go back to work after 18 weeks off with my baby.
“Everyone says I should be content to live a normal life, not just being a mother.
‘But I’m not happy, I’m heartbroken. I’m going from nursing, cuddling and loving my sweet baby every day to having a machine suck the milk out of me while I sit in a cold room.
‘And only getting to be with my baby three hours a day. Is that what makes me happy?’.
In the heartbreaking video Nikkole shared, she sobs. The caption says: ‘Tomorrow, I return to work after 18 week off with my child.
It was viewed more than 14,000 times. The caption to the video was: “I knew this was coming, it still hurts so many”
International followers were shocked at the lack of American maternity leave.
An anonymous Swedish reader wrote “Oh wow! What is the paid maternity leave like? I lived in Sweden, where I received 80% of my pay at work and was able stay home for fourteen months. Your baby is so tiny, but you are a great mama!’.
A British fan said: “That’s mentally.” The UK offers 9-months of maternity leave. Unpaid leave for three months. What happens if you don’t get paid for 6 weeks?’.
A follower from America wrote that there isn’t paid maternity leave in the USA. If you are covered by disability insurance, you may be eligible for partial payment through disability insurance. but it’s usually something you have to pay for, so not everyone even has that.’
One said, “This is horrible.” Uruguay was what many would consider a Third World country. The 6 month contract I received, paid fully, is from Uruguay. Still felt like so little time. This is what the US standards are.
“It’s so strange to let your children go. My heart is always with you!”One wrote:
Nikkole wed Kyle Ledda, in 2020. The couple welcomed their son Bodhi this July (see)
Nikkole, just 15, is seen holding Lyle. She says that she was a single mom for years and struggled to care for the two of them.
Nikkole, 28 years old, appeared in MTV’s 2009 hit reality series. She fell pregnant at 15 with her son Lyle and split from Josh Drummond very soon after she gave birth.
One mum, however, was not sympathetic and wrote “My job told me that I would get 6- 8 weeks.” It’s a great thing that you were able to get what you wanted.
A Canadian friend responded by saying: “We get up 18 months here in Canada. Instead of telling other moms to “be glad you got what you did” you should question why America is the only first world countries without paid parental leave. ‘
One added, “This is why our generation literally must fight to change all things.” You people yes I’m saying it are robots … there’s no empathy within you’.
One asked elsewhere: “Is 18-weeks normal for maternity leave in America?” In Ireland, you have 6 months of maternity leave.
And one said: ‘I can’t believe how little time moms get for mat leave in the US!! I’m sorry that you had to abandon your boy. Hang in there, girl!
The US is one of a small number of countries that does not offer paid sick leave and maternity pay.
Meghan Markle actively campaigns for paid maternity leave to be provided by companies for mothers.
In April, President Joe Biden proposed a £163billion package of worker benefits that would see paid parental leave brought in from 2023.
A worker could have a baby with them for 12 weeks if they were to pass the law. They would still get up to two-thirds of their wages.