Maternity Leave Options Around the World

Lead Today · Jan 12, 2026 · 24m

Kalyna dives into global maternity leave policies, flexible extensions like Spain's part-time reductions until age 12, and Dr. Erica Komisar's push for extended paid leave to protect infant development. Drawing from top countries (Bulgaria, Estonia, Sweden) and stark contrasts (US zero paid weeks), this episode equips working parents with career planning strategies amid family demands.​

Extend via parental leave: Canada's 18 months at 55%, Norway/Sweden 480 days shared.

Spain's edge: Proportional pay for reduced hours, job protection through return.

Komisar's warning: Early daycare risks…