$ is only one issue....
WORKLOAD is another issue...
it just takes too much work to take care of BABY....
Basically...no more personal time.
I guess it's better in hK....can hire "bun bun" to help out with housework...
yes the mat leave is a year but imagine doing all housework + take care of baby ALONE (most part of the day)....it's not easy.
even with baby, many of my friends are very fit..
and during mat leave I won't stay at home all the time la...will go to park and both of us get some fresh air...
when the weather is nice...even take skytrain/bus to granville island!