Parental Leave
When a parent welcomes a child into their lives there are significant changes to come. Many countries all over the world have granted paid maternity leave to new mothers so they can take care of themselves and the newborn child. Some countries allow paternity leave for new fathers to help with the new addition to the family, while a few support paid leave for same-sex couples who have adopted a baby. The amount of paid maternity leave across the world ranges from zero time to 52 weeks, and sometimes longer. As of 2012, only four countries do not have paid maternity leave: Liberia, Swaziland, Papua New Guinea, and the United States of America. Allowing new parents to stay home with their children can decrease depression, reduce infant mortality by as much as 10%, and increase the rate and duration of breastfeeding.
Resources
Maternity Leave - A map of differing policies around the world.
Parental Support - Government mandated paid leave around the world.
http://womenandtech.com/infographic-paid-maternity-leave/
Parental Leave - Is there science available to support the theory?
http://www.businessinsider.com/scientific-proof-paid-parental-leave-is-good-for-everyone
Maternity Leave - Why is is so important?
http://healthland.time.com/2011/07/21/study-why-maternity-leave-is-important/
Paid Leave for Children - Benefits are real and multiple.
http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/29/health/paid-leave-benefits-to-children-research/