Maternity leave must be 6 months, according to pediatricians

Both mother and child have to go through a period of recovery after childbirth. For this, the maternity permission and paternity, a period of leave in which both parents focus on caring for the child. Does this time last enough? Much has been talked about and whether or not these days of absence should be extended.

On the side of those who believe that the maternity permission There is the Spanish Association of Pediatrics and Primary Care, AEPap. In one of his last communiques he points out that this drop due to the birth of a child should be extended up to 6 months to ensure proper care of the little ones.


Objective of the permit

What is the objective of maternity leave? AEPap remembers that the mission of this period is to favor both the physical recovery of the mother and to guarantee the care of the newborn, favoring a parenting style based on attachment and a link of love

Of the care that must be guaranteed in the newborn, the diet stands out. A theme where breastfeeding fulfills an important mission. Entities such as the World Health Organization, WHO, recommend giving the fact to the little ones exclusively until 6 months of age. A tip that according to AEPap can not be guaranteed with the current low of 16 weeks.


AEPap explains that "the working and social conditions of working mothers that prevent the extraction, conservation and transport of breast milk, make it impossible in our country to comply with this recommendation". For this reason, the pediatricians that make up this body consider it a priority objective extend maternity leave up to 6 months.

At the same time, AEPap also remembers the importance of co-responsibility in the care of children. The 6-month increase in maternity leave is aimed at ensuring that the baby receives the breast during the time recommended by the WHO. For its part, the mission of the father must be that of the rest of care of the little one next to the woman.

Paternity permit

While petitions like AEPap are valued, the permit that did change last July 5 2018 It was the paternity. In this way, new developments appear, such as the extension in a week of the time that parents can spend together with their children while they enjoy this absence for the care of newborns.


A total of 21 weeks distributed among the five of the parents and the 16 of those who can currently enjoy. As previously, these permits can be enjoyed on a full-time basis or with a minimum of 50%, always after agreement between the employer and the worker.

Damián Montero

Video: 2nd Trimester Q&A with Belly to Baby


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