Parental Leave Benefits and Maternal Postpartum Mental Health in Sweden.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Generous parental leave benefits have been associated with better mental health outcomes for parents after childbirth. However, few studies account for preconception mental health and working conditions, the latter being a requirement for generous parental leave benefits.

Objective

To evaluate the association between levels of parental leave benefits and maternal postpartum mental health when preconception mental health, income, and employment status were considered.

Design, setting, and participants

This population-based nationwide cohort study included first-time mothers aged 18 to 52 years who gave birth to a live singleton offspring between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2011. Data were analyzed from March 8 to February 18, 2025.

Exposure

Paid

SUBMITTER: Heshmati A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12044515 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature