maternity leave

Eight states and Washington, D.C., have paid family leave programs funded through payroll taxes. But a similar bill in blue-state Colorado is being watered down.

In much of the U.S., demand for licensed infant care outstrips supply. Parents face lengthy waitlists, hefty waitlist fees, and few good options when returning to work after the birth of a baby.

Tricia Olson gave birth to her son and was back on the job three weeks later. Like most Americans, she doesn't get paid family leave, and she's among the 40 percent who don't qualify for unpaid leave.

Netflix decision to offer unlimited paid leave to new parents grew out of a culture that already offered unlimited vacation. It's part of a plan to attract the most talented employees possible.

It's paid paternity leave, which is the law in an increasing number of low- and middle-income countries, but not in the U.S. Research shows that time off for pops can provide lasting benefits.