Maternity leave: How does the United Sates Compare?

So were you wondering why Sweden and Norway held the top two spots for breastfeeding longevity? Well, it could be because of their amazing maternity/paternity leave. Norway offers 56 weeks (13 months) at 80% pay or 46 weeks (10.5 months) at 100% pay - mother must take at least 3 weeks immediately before birth and 6 weeks immediately after birth, father must take at least 10 weeks - the rest can be shared between mother and father. Amazing right??

What, you ask, does the United States offer? 0 weeks paid. Yes, you read that right, ZERO weeks paid. Of course in the 90's the FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) was created, which mandates 12 weeks of UNPAID leave, but that is only if the requesting employee works for a covered employer (all public agencies; private companies with 50 or more employees within 75 miles.) In addition, the employee must have worked for covered employer for at least 12 months prior, and at least 1250 hours in previous 12 months. Other restrictions apply.

For comparison Canada offers 55% up to $447/week for 50 weeks (15 weeks maternity + 35 weeks parental leave that can be shared with the father)

If you are interested in reading more about this check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parental_leave which is where we found this shocking information.