An Otago University researcher is encouraging politicians to look at the evidence when writing policies around paid parental leave after they found paid leave reduces the risks of depression, anxiety and burnout.
In a new editorial publication in the New Zealand Medical Journal, Otago University researchers found paid parental leave reduces the risk of depressive symptoms, anxiety and burnout.
The research didn’t look at the reasons why paid parental leave is better than unpaid, though senior lecturer at Otago University’s Department of Psychological Medicine, and co-author of the editorial, Dr Kate Eggleston told AM the pressures are easy to identify.
She said it's an "incredibly stressful time financially" after having a baby, and whānau are already under a lot of pressure with the cost-of-living crisis.
"I think for a lot of people availability of unpaid leave doesn't really change things because they're unlikely to be able to take that time off, even if they really want to be home with their baby."
Eggleston said it's "pretty common" for people to experience post-natal depression in Aotearoa. One in seven mums experience post-natal depression, with it being slightly less among dads.
She told AM people are struggling and it's important there is enough support for new parents.
The research found the more generous the paid leave policy is, the better the mental health outcomes.
"What research is around about the economic effects of paid parental leave, shows that there isn't a substantial negative effect from an economic perspective," she said.
"So, you can actually potentially not fork out more money, in terms of paying for paid leave because you reap the benefits in terms of health later on."
Eggleston said the research found there aren’t many studies looking at paid leave for partners, but it does appear to have positive effects for the mother having her partner at home.
Aotearoa is really behind on the paid parental leave front, especially for partners, she said. Eggleston told AM New Zealand is one of three OECD countries that does not offer paid parental leave for partners.
"Some countries have a lot; some countries have a little bit and us the US and Israel have none."
Following the election and the incoming new Government, Eggleston is encouraging political parties to "have a look at the evidence and think about that when they’re putting policies in place".
"So, we can make sure that we're doing as much as we can to support families, parents and babies in this really important time of life."
Watch the full interview above for more.
