Unicef calls for New Zealand to extend paid parental leaveDAVID UNWIN/STUFF Unicef wants all NZ political parties to commit to six months of paid parental leave. New Zealand currently offers 18 weeks of paid parental leave which means mums often head back to work after four months and babies don't get the recommended six months of exclusive breast feeding. READ MORE:* Latching on to health message* Slight increase for paid parental leave* Extended paid parental leave a no-goAugust 1 is World Breastfeeding Week, and Unicef is using its timing ahead of the September election to refresh its call for all NZ political parties to commit to six months of paid parental leave. Unicef Unicef says breastfeeding is one of the most effective investments a country can make to ensure a smarter, healthier population. "I'm hoping this... will be a light bulb moment to put the [six-month paid parental leave] policy back on the table."

Source: Stuff August 01, 2017 00:00 UTC