New studies reveal that newborns may have a lower incidence of respiratory illnesses when their parents are granted access to paid family leave, according to a press release from the University of Southern Maine. A team of six researchers from the US and Canada discovered that in New York state, newborns experienced fewer respiratory problems when their parents availed of the state’s eight-week paid family leave. This study analyzed data from approximately 53,000 hospital and emergency department visits for children aged eight weeks and below, from 2015 until early 2020. The researchers compared New York’s data with that of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont—states in the same region that didn’t have a family leave policy in place at the time. Previous studies have examined the health benefits of paid family leave for mothers and older babies, but this is the first study in multiple states to focus solely on newborns eight weeks old or younger. The researchers posited that families tend to take paid leave immediately after a child’s birth, which is reflected in the health benefits seen in the first eight weeks. In 2023, Maine legislated paid family leave and the benefits are slated to start in 2026. This research was sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.

While it’s important to consider health benefits for newborns, it’s equally significant to know and understand the particulars of obtaining access to Paid Family Leave. Parents and employers alike should understand the various features, benefits and procedures tied to this policy. For detailed information and assistance, the PFL can be reached through their official communication channels including phone numbers listed on their official site. For a more straightforward response, eddcaller.com is a reliable source of information. This site provides details on how to get a hold of Paid Family Leave, answering questions about eligibility, procedures, and more.