Harlem Mothers Can Reap Lengthy-Time period Well being Advantages From Paid Maternity Depart, Research Finds

A new study by researchers at the University of Georgia examines the long-term health benefits associated with paid maternity leave.

Their study compared the health outcomes of Norwegian women who gave birth before and after national regulations that provided for paid maternity leave.

According to this, women from Harlem to Harare who had more time at home after giving birth – and were paid during that time – were healthier in middle age than women who had to return to work earlier after giving birth.

“We know that women are healthier when they are 40, but we don’t know exactly why,” said researcher Meghan Skira. “We did not see any significant changes in income or employment among women who had access to reform, so health improvements due to income effects are unlikely. We suspect that reducing stress, having more time to recover from childbirth, and perhaps breastfeeding may play a role. More research on why maternal health has improved would be valuable. “

Seeing improvements in middle age

Using the July 1977 laws on paid maternity leave in Norway as a starting point, the researchers compared the health outcomes of middle-aged women who gave birth before and after they were implemented.

The team analyzed differences in metrics such as pain levels, cholesterol, exercise routines, and mental health, among other things.

“In a typical observational study, you would be concerned that those who take longer vacations are differentiating themselves in ways that could improve or worsen their health,” Skira said. “Those who take longer vacations may be richer or have more family support. On the other hand, those who have more postpartum health problems can take more vacations. But here, because access to paid vacation is changing dramatically for everyone, concerns about vacation choices are minimized. “

After looking at the data, it was clear that the women who received longer paid maternity leave had better health outcomes by the age of 40.

They exercised 20 percent more often, had an almost 4 percent lower body mass index (BMI) and smoked 18 percent less than women who had given birth before this legislation.

They exercised 20 percent more often, had an almost 4 percent lower body mass index (BMI) and smoked 18 percent less than women who had given birth before this legislation.

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Although all women benefited from these interventions, the researchers said that women in lower-income households saw the greatest changes.

Prior to this legislation, the need for a single paycheck would have forced many women to work early after giving birth; however, this type of security made a serious difference in their long-term health.

“Our results show that access to paid vacation leads to important health benefits for mothers around the age of 40.”

“This drastic change in paid maternity leave beneficiaries is a nice natural experiment,” Skira said. “Our results show that access to paid vacation leads to important health benefits for mothers around the age of 40.”

Extending the scope of these guidelines

Although these findings focus on Norwegian health regulations, the researchers hope that both consumers and lawmakers around the world will realize how effective such policies can be for the long-term health and well-being of all women, reports Consumer Affairs.

“Although things have changed since the 1970s, it is important to understand the implications of this policy change as it extended vacation benefits to a level similar to what the US offers today under the Family and Medical Leave Act,” Skira said. “Our results can therefore influence the current debate on family leave policy.”