The lack of federally mandated paid maternity leave in the United States is a significant concern for new parents. According to Annuity, only 14 states and Washington, D.C. offer paid maternity leave. While the Family and Medical Leave Act provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, many new parents find it challenging to take unpaid time off from work, leading to nearly 25% of new moms returning to work within two weeks of giving birth.

New moms often experience physical and emotional difficulties due to their responsibilities, such as sleepless nights and caring for a newborn, which may lead to postpartum depression. A study by Baylor Scott & White Health suggests that up to 80% of new moms experience mom brain symptoms, including absent-mindedness and forgetfulness.

Dr. Deborah Gilman, Chief Licensed Psychologist at Fox Chapel Psychological Services, emphasizes the importance of parental leave for bonding with the baby and adjusting to parenthood. Moreover, Maven Clinic reports that paid parental leave is beneficial for both mothers and babies, as it reduces the risk of postpartum depression.

The research on how much leave is necessary varies, but a general consensus among psychologists suggests that parents should ideally take 4-6 months for bonding and recovery. This is beneficial not only for the parents but also for employers who will face less risk of losing valuable employees.

Companies face concerns over the cost of paying for parental leave. However, a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) survey finds that 78% of employees will stay with a company if they’re satisfied with the benefits provided. Furthermore, parental leave policies indicate a supportive work culture, leading to increased loyalty and retention rates.

Despite the benefits of paid parental leave, the U.S. lags behind other countries in offering such benefits. In comparison, nearly every other country in the world offers some form of governmentally paid parental leave. However, advocates continue to lobby Congress for mandatory paid leave, hoping for legislative action following the 2024 presidential election.

Navigating the processes and requirements for leave can be a daunting task. If you’re in California and need help accessing paid family leave or other benefits, you may wonder ‘how to get a hold of Paid Family Leave.’ A helpful option is to visit eddcaller.com, a website that shares useful information and resources on topics like paid family leave, unemployment, and other related services. They guide you on how to contact relevant departments, offer tips and tricks for efficient communication, and help you understand your rights and options as a working parent.