Media Release
7 November 2001

Paid Parental Leave recognises
the needs of parents and babies

Plunket is delighted that the Government has recognised the importance of parents and babies being together as much as possible at the start of the child’s life and that the scheme announced today favours lower income families.

Angela Baldwin, Plunket’s general manager clinical services, says the first months are crucial for parent and child bonding.

“This is the period when attachment between the parents and child is established and when a new mother learns how to breastfeed and care for her baby. This time needs to be as stress-free as possible and if one parent is helped to postpone returning to work and putting their child in care, it is a great start for the new baby.

“Every parent has to get to know her baby and establish a relationship. This takes time and parents will enjoy their babies more when they are not under other pressures.

“This is a precious time for parents and the child, and as a society we should do all we can to support parents and acknowledge the special new member of society by contributing to giving the child the best possible start in life.

“The quality of care an infant gets at this time sets the scene for the rest of the child’s life – a fact backed up by scientific evidence. Paid parental leave is one way in which parents can be supported. If parents are supported and valued they are better able to care for their children,” she said.

Ends

Information from: Royal New Zealand Plunket Society Inc
Contact: Angela Baldwin, General Manager Clinical Services
Telephone 04 474 1532 (DDI business); 04 471-0177 (business)
After hours 025 734 516

Issued by: Joanne Ruscoe
Telephone 04 471 6252 (business); 04 479 2923 (home);
025 925 733 (mobile)

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