Barriers and Equity in Paid Parental Leave: Insights from Diverse Postpartum Experiences in Connecticut.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Paid parental leave (PPL) is a critical yet unevenly distributed support that can shape postpartum recovery and maternal mental health. Even in states with comprehensive PPL programs, families often face barriers shaped by job type, income, language, and limited awareness. This study provides a nuanced, qualitative exploration of diverse postpartum individuals' lived experiences with PPL, addressing critical gaps in understanding barriers and inequities beyond quantitative data.

Methods

We used a phenomenological approach to capture participants' lived experiences with PPL following the implementation of Connecticut's state program in January 2022. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 postpartum women between December 2023 and March 2024. Participants were

SUBMITTER: James KF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12529885 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep-Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature