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A letter from neli’s CEO on supporting parents
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The postpartum period is a critical time for both mothers and their newborns. Cultural norms play a significant role in shaping the care, support, and expectations placed on new mothers during this time. In this blog post, we explore the postpartum practices and traditions of different developed countries to better understand how various cultures approach postpartum care and support for new moms.
In the United States, postpartum care is often characterized by a relatively short maternity leave (typically around 12 weeks, though not always paid) and limited social support. New moms are expected to return to work and daily routines quickly, with an emphasis on “bouncing back” as soon as possible. While some families may enlist the help of friends and relatives, the responsibility of caring for the newborn and managing household duties largely falls on the new mother.
The United States has the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for the birth or adoption of a child. However, the FMLA only covers certain employees, leaving many without access to parental leave. Some states, such as California, New Jersey, and New York, have implemented their own paid family leave programs, providing partial wage replacement for eligible workers. Additionally, some employers offer paid parental leave as part of their benefits packages, but this varies significantly by employer.
Healthcare services
New mothers in the United States have access to prenatal care, postnatal check-ups, and pediatric care through their health insurance providers. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires most health insurance plans to cover essential health benefits, including maternity and newborn care. Many plans also cover lactation support services and breast pumps. Home visits by healthcare providers, such as nurses or midwives, may be available depending on location and insurance coverage.
Postnatal mental health support
Postpartum mental health is an essential aspect of maternal well-being. In the United States, new mothers can access mental health services such as counseling and therapy through their health insurance providers. Organizations like Postpartum Support International offer resources, information, and support networks for mothers experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges.
Scandinavian countries, including Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, are renowned for their progressive family policies and strong social safety nets. New mothers in these countries benefit from a range of support systems during the postpartum period, ensuring their well-being and that of their newborns. From generous parental leave policies and comprehensive healthcare services to breastfeeding support and community resources, Scandinavian countries provide a nurturing environment for families during this crucial time.
Generous parental leave policies
One of the hallmarks of Scandinavian countries is their generous parental leave policies. In Sweden, for example, parents are entitled to 480 days of paid parental leave, with 90 days reserved exclusively for each parent. In Denmark, mothers can take up to 18 weeks of maternity leave, while in Norway, mothers can choose between 49 weeks of leave with 100% pay or 59 weeks with 80% pay. These policies not only allow new mothers ample time to recover and bond with their babies but also promote a more equitable distribution of childcare responsibilities between parents.
Comprehensive healthcare services
Scandinavian countries offer comprehensive healthcare services for new mothers and their babies, including prenatal care, postnatal check-ups, and pediatric care. Home visits by midwives or health nurses are common, providing personalized support and guidance for mothers during the first weeks postpartum. These visits help to monitor the health of both mother and baby, and offer advice on breastfeeding, sleep patterns, and other aspects of infant care.
Postnatal mental health support
Recognizing the importance of maternal mental health, Scandinavian countries provide access to mental health services for mothers experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. Public health services may include counseling, therapy, and support groups for new mothers, ensuring they receive the care and support they need during this critical period.
Community resources and parenting classes
Scandinavian countries emphasize the importance of community and social support for new families. Local municipalities often offer parenting classes and workshops, covering topics such as child development, baby care, and infant first aid. Mother and baby groups provide opportunities for new mothers to connect with other parents, share experiences, and create supportive networks. Publicly-funded family centers, known as “öppna förskola” in Sweden or “åpen barnehage” in Norway, offer informal meeting spaces for parents and their children, promoting social interaction and peer support.
One essential form of support for postpartum women in the UK is maternity leave, which enables eligible women to take up to 52 weeks of leave from work. Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is available for up to 39 weeks, with the first six weeks paid at 90% of the mother’s average weekly earnings and the remaining 33 weeks paid at a flat rate or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. Some employers may offer more generous maternity benefits. Additionally, some women may qualify for Maternity Allowance if they do not meet the requirements for SMP.
Health visitor services
The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK provides health visitor services for new mothers and their babies. Health visitors are trained nurses or midwives with additional qualifications in child health and development. They offer support and advice on various aspects of parenting, including infant feeding, sleep patterns, and immunizations. Health visitors typically conduct home visits and can be an invaluable source of guidance and reassurance during the postpartum period.
Postnatal mental health support
Postpartum mental health is a crucial aspect of maternal well-being, and the UK offers several resources for mothers experiencing postnatal depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. The NHS provides access to mental health services, including counseling and therapy, for new mothers. Local support groups and organizations, such as the Association for Postnatal Illness (APNI) and PANDAS Foundation, also provide information, resources, and peer support for mothers struggling with postpartum mental health issues.
Community groups and parenting classes
Community-based support plays an essential role in postpartum care in the UK. Many local communities offer mother and baby groups, which provide an opportunity for new mothers to connect with other parents, share experiences, and form supportive networks. Parenting classes, such as those offered by the NCT and local children’s centers, cover a range of topics, including baby care, sleep, and child development, helping to equip parents with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful parenting.
One of the most significant support systems for postpartum women in Japan is the provision of maternity and childcare leave. Maternity leave allows women to take 14 weeks off from work (6 weeks before the due date and 8 weeks after childbirth), receiving two-thirds of their salary through the Employee’s Health Insurance program. Additionally, both parents can take childcare leave until the child turns one, with the option to extend to 14 months if both parents take leave. This policy ensures that parents can spend quality time with their newborns without the financial stress of losing their entire income.
Health check-ups and parenting classes
The Japanese healthcare system prioritizes the health of mothers and their newborns by providing free or low-cost health check-ups. These include prenatal check-ups, postpartum check-ups for mothers, and regular check-ups for infants. Local municipalities often offer parenting classes, teaching essential skills such as breastfeeding, baby care, and child development. These classes and check-ups ensure that parents have the knowledge and confidence to care for their babies effectively.
Home visits and postpartum care centers
Public health nurses or midwives visit new mothers at home in some local municipalities, offering postnatal support, checking on the health of mother and baby, and providing valuable advice on infant care. For those seeking more comprehensive care, postpartum care centers, or “Sango-shisetsu,” provide a nurturing environment where mothers can access medical care, lactation support, childcare education, and mental health support. Stays at these centers can last from a few days to several weeks, helping mothers transition smoothly into their new role.
Satogaeri
Japan’s cultural practices also play a significant role in postpartum support. One such practice is “Satogaeri,” where new mothers return to their parents’ home for a period of rest and recovery. During this time, the new mother’s family helps with baby care and household chores, allowing her to focus on recovery and bonding with her baby. New mothers often return to their parents’ home for a month or more after giving birth. During this time, the new mother’s family, especially her mother, takes on the responsibility of caring for both the mother and the newborn. This practice provides the new mother with ample support and allows her to focus on recovery and bonding with her baby. Japanese culture also emphasizes the importance of “ansei,” or the soothing of the baby through close physical contact and breastfeeding.
France offers new mothers up to 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, with the option to extend it under certain circumstances. This period allows mothers ample time to recover from childbirth, bond with their baby, and adjust to their new role. Fathers are also entitled to paternity leave, encouraging both parents to share the responsibility of childcare.
Healthcare
The French healthcare system also provides comprehensive postpartum care for new mothers. This includes:
Childcare and early education programs
France provides access to affordable childcare and early education programs through a network of public and private facilities. These services, known as “crèches” or “halte-garderies,” help support working mothers and ensure that children receive high-quality care from an early age.
Emphasis on self-care and social life
French culture emphasizes the importance of self-care and maintaining a social life during the postpartum period. New mothers are encouraged to return to their regular activities, hobbies, and social events as soon as they feel comfortable, helping them maintain a sense of balance and well-being. It is not uncommon for new mothers to be seen dining out with friends or attending social gatherings with their babies in tow.
Postpartum care in China is deeply rooted in cultural traditions that have evolved over thousands of years. These practices, which focus on the well-being of both mother and baby, provide guidance and support during the critical period following childbirth. In recent years, China has also seen the development of modern postpartum care services, reflecting the changing needs and expectations of contemporary Chinese women.
“Zuo yuezi,” also known as “sitting the month” or “confinement,” is a centuries-old Chinese tradition that involves a period of 30 days (or more) of rest and recuperation for the new mother. During this time, the mother is expected to adhere to specific dietary and lifestyle guidelines, including:
The mother’s family, particularly her own mother or mother-in-law, typically provide support during “zuo yuezi,” helping with household chores, cooking special meals, and caring for the newborn.
As China has urbanized and more women have entered the workforce, the traditional practice of “zuo yuezi” has evolved to accommodate the changing needs of modern Chinese women. Today, many families opt to hire a “yuesao” or “maternity matron,” a trained professional who provides in-home care and support for the mother and baby during the postpartum period. A “yuesao” typically assists with tasks such as:
Alternatively, some families choose to use postpartum care centers, which are specialized facilities that provide comprehensive care and support for new mothers and their babies. These centers often offer services such as:
In Germany, new mothers have access to a variety of support systems during the postpartum period, ensuring the well-being of both mother and baby. From generous parental leave policies and comprehensive healthcare services to breastfeeding support and community resources, Germany offers a nurturing environment for families during this critical stage of life.
Parental leave policies
Germany is known for its family-friendly policies, including generous parental leave. Mothers are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave, with six weeks before the due date and eight weeks after childbirth, during which they receive 100% of their net salary. Following maternity leave, parents can take advantage of parental leave (Elternzeit), which allows them to take up to three years off from work, with their job protected. During the first 12 to 14 months, eligible parents can receive Parental Allowance (Elterngeld), which provides a percentage of their salary, ranging from 65% to 100%, depending on income.
Healthcare services
Germany offers comprehensive healthcare services for new mothers and their babies through its statutory health insurance system. These services include prenatal care, postnatal check-ups, and pediatric care. Additionally, new mothers are entitled to postpartum home visits by midwives or healthcare professionals for the first eight weeks after childbirth. These visits provide personalized support, monitoring the health of both mother and baby, and offering advice on breastfeeding, sleep patterns, and other aspects of infant care.
Postnatal mental health support
Recognizing the importance of maternal mental health, Germany provides access to mental health services for mothers experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. Public health services may include counseling, therapy, and support groups for new mothers, ensuring they receive the care and support they need during this critical period.
In Spain, new mothers have access to a variety of support systems during the postpartum period, ensuring their well-being and that of their newborns. From parental leave policies and healthcare services to breastfeeding support and community resources, Spain offers a nurturing environment for families during this vital stage of life.
Parental leave policies
Spain offers generous parental leave policies for new mothers. Maternity leave in Spain consists of 16 weeks of paid leave, with the mother receiving 100% of her salary during this time. Mothers can also share a portion of their leave with the other parent, promoting a more equitable distribution of childcare responsibilities. Additionally, the Spanish government has introduced paternity leave, allowing fathers to take up to 8 weeks of paid leave, ensuring both parents have time to bond with their newborn.
Healthcare services
Spain’s public healthcare system provides comprehensive healthcare services for new mothers and their babies, including prenatal care, postnatal check-ups, and pediatric care. After giving birth, new mothers are entitled to postpartum home visits by healthcare professionals, who provide personalized support, monitor the health of both mother and baby, and offer advice on breastfeeding, sleep patterns, and other aspects of infant care.
Postnatal mental health support
Recognizing the importance of maternal mental health, Spain provides access to mental health services for mothers experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. Public health services may include counseling, therapy, and support groups for new mothers, ensuring they receive the care and support they need during this critical period.
Canada offers a variety of support systems for new mothers during the postpartum period, ensuring the well-being of both mother and baby. From parental leave policies and healthcare services to breastfeeding support and community resources, Canadian families can find a nurturing environment during this critical stage of life.
Parental leave policies
Canada’s parental leave policies are designed to provide financial support and job security to new parents. Under the Employment Insurance (EI) program, mothers can take up to 15 weeks of maternity leave, during which they receive 55% of their average weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount. Following maternity leave, parents can share up to 40 weeks of standard parental leave or 69 weeks of extended parental leave, receiving 55% of their average weekly earnings for standard leave and 33% for extended leave, up to a maximum amount. These policies allow new mothers ample time to recover and bond with their babies while promoting a more equitable distribution of childcare responsibilities between parents.
Comprehensive healthcare services
Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system provides comprehensive healthcare services for new mothers and their babies, including prenatal care, postnatal check-ups, and pediatric care. After giving birth, new mothers may receive postpartum home visits by healthcare professionals, such as public health nurses or midwives, depending on the province. These visits provide personalized support, monitor the health of both mother and baby, and offer advice on breastfeeding, sleep patterns, and other aspects of infant care.
Postnatal mental health support
Recognizing the importance of maternal mental health, Canada provides access to mental health services for mothers experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. Public health services may include counseling, therapy, and support groups for new mothers, ensuring they receive the care and support they need during this critical period.
Italy offers generous parental leave policies for new mothers. Maternity leave consists of 5 months of paid leave, with the option to start 2 months before the due date and continue for 3 months after childbirth, or begin 1 month before the due date and continue for 4 months after childbirth. During maternity leave, mothers receive 80% of their salary, which is paid by the National Social Security Institute (INPS). Following maternity leave, parents can share up to 6 months of parental leave before the child turns 12, receiving 30% of their salary for the first 5 months and an unpaid leave for the remaining months.
Healthcare services
Italy’s public healthcare system provides comprehensive healthcare services for new mothers and their babies, including prenatal care, postnatal check-ups, and pediatric care. After giving birth, new mothers may receive postpartum home visits by healthcare professionals, such as midwives, depending on the region. These visits provide personalized support, monitor the health of both mother and baby, and offer advice on breastfeeding, sleep patterns, and other aspects of infant care.
Postnatal mental health support
Recognizing the importance of maternal mental health, Italy provides access to mental health services for mothers experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. Public health services may include counseling, therapy, and support groups for new mothers, ensuring they receive the care and support they need during this critical period.
it is clear that the United States has significant room for improvement when it comes to providing comprehensive postpartum support for new mothers. By examining the more robust support systems in place in countries such as Canada, Germany, and the Scandinavian nations, we can identify key areas where the U.S. lags behind, including parental leave policies, healthcare services, and community-based resources.
To ensure the well-being of new mothers and their families, it is crucial that policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders work together to address these disparities and implement effective strategies that prioritize postpartum care. By learning from the successes of other countries, the United States has the opportunity to create a more nurturing and supportive environment for all families during the critical postpartum period.
Ultimately, investing in better postpartum support is not just an investment in the health and well-being of new mothers, but also in the future generations of Americans. With a united effort to prioritize postpartum care, we can work towards a brighter, healthier future for mothers and their families across the nation.
