Table 3 Policies and outcomes for maternal leave

Maternal leave allowance [32–36]

480 days (~68 weeks). Might be used by the mother, the father, or mixed (most common)

16 weeks (mandatory 4 weeks prior to due date)

15 weeks

12 weeks

1 year

Maternal leave pay [32–36]

78% of income for 390 days Min $3 USD/day Max $130 USD/day

Full salary (no max payment)

55% of a woman’s average insured earnings up to a yearly max of $44,900 if worked 600 insured hours in the 52 weeks prior to delivery

Unpaid

Full salary for 18 weeks (6 weeks before birth and 12 weeks after)

Parental leave [32–36]

60 days (10 days paid leave at birth of child); either parent may take unpaid leave at 25% until the child is 8 years

Additional unpaid leave can be taken by either or both parents after delivery based on hours worked in a week until the child is 8 years

May be used by one parent or shared, but cannot exceed a combined max of 35 week; max payment is $485 per week

Unpaid

Additional 40 weeks leave at 60% pay may be taken by either parent

Outcomes

Initiate breastfeeding (having ever breastfed) (2008, Netherlands 2010, Cuba 2006–2010) [11, 37, 38]

97.6%

75.0%

84.5%

74.2%

70%

Exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months (Sweden 2009, Netherlands 2010, Canada 2006, Cuba 2006–2010, US 2011) [19, 23, 37–39]

10.4%

18%

14.4%

14.8%

26%