Is Paid Leave The Solution To Our Maternal Health Crisis?

Every year, thousands of mothers in the U.S. face preventable health complications simply because they have to go back to work too soon. Studies show that access to paid leave reduces postpartum depression, improves infant health, and even lowers maternal mortality rates.REALITY CHECK: The connection is clear: when we invest in paid leave, we invest in the health of mothers and babies.Here in Pennsylvania,the connection between maternal health and paid leave is especially urgent. With approximately one in four employed new mothers returning to work within just 10 days of giving birth, many are forced to choose between financial survival and health-recovery or bonding with their newborn.The state currently lacks a statewide, universal paid family and medical leave program, meaning a large share of new parents don’t receive wage replacement during the critical postpartum period.So what can we do? I chatted with Sara Jann Heinze, Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy at Maternity Care Coalition to learn more.  @MaternityCareToday  In Pennsylvania? Check out the Family Care Act for more information.Not in PA but want to learn more about the national push for paid leave at the federal level? I know we are currently in hell, but there will be a sunrise someday and when it rises, let’s make sure we get what we need and deserve for ourselves and our communities.