Plunket welcomes more paid parental leave

Plunket welcomes more paid parental leave

The Government's decision to extend paid parental leave from 12 weeks to 14 weeks is being welcomed by the Plunket Society.

"This is great news for New Zealand mums because it will give women more opportunity to take up, and continue breastfeeding their babies for longer," says Angela Baldwin, Plunket's General Manager of Clinical Services.

"The changes to paid parental leave are definitely a step in the right direction, and will hopefully encourage more employers to pave the way for their employees to continue breastfeeding after returning to work."

Angela Baldwin says there is a growing awareness amongst health professionals of the link between breastfeeding and physical and emotional development rates in young children.

"The evidence shows that an increase in breastfeeding rates could ultimately lead to fewer health problems in our young children such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

"And it goes without saying that breastfeeding is part and parcel of a strong mother-child bond."

Plunket has long been a strong advocate of encouraging an increase in breastfeeding rates.

"We congratulate the Government on the family-friendly changes made to the paid parental leave scheme. These changes mean healthier babies and healthier mums - which is truly a win for all New Zealand," says Angela Baldwin.

For breastfeeding support in your area contact your Plunket Nurse, midwife or La Leche.

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