The Impact of the Current Paid Parental Leave Scheme

In late 2019 Miracle Babies Foundation partnered with the University of Melbourne and Murdoch Children’s Institute to conduct a survey of families to advocate for changes to the legislation. This is now part of a current project to see positive change for newborns and their families challenged by prematurity or sickness.

We conducted a parent survey to determine the real-life experiences of these families and their opinions around extended parental leave.

The research conducted by Miracle Babies Foundation found 83% of families surveyed experienced additional financial impacts on their family above the normal expected impact of having a newborn as a result of having a baby born requiring specialised hospital care. And 95% of mums couldn’t work while their babies were in the NICU or SCN. 

Due to ongoing care requirements, the financial and emotional pressures of having to return to work earlier than planned can cause immense stress to the whole family unit. We know from previous research that parents of preterm babies are 2.5 times more likely to suffer postnatal depression. And one in five parents of very preterm babies still show symptoms of depression and anxiety six months after birth.

The recent Miracle Babies research has established a clear gap in parental leave legislation with more than 99% of families surveyed supporting the introduction of extended parental leave for NICU/SCN parents. 

Impact of current Australian paid parental leave on families of preterm and sick infants

Parents of preterm or sick infants are at increased risk of mental health problems. The financial stress associated with an infant's prolonged hospital stay can have an additional negative effect on families' wellbeing and child development. This study explores parent use of Australian paid parental leave (PPL) and the financial impact of having an infant requiring neonatal care.

To read the full article, click here: Impact of current Australian paid parental leave on families of preterm and sick infants - Eeles - Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health - Wiley Online Library

[1] https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/content/premature-birth-leave-announced-by-nsw-government/gjj5gi

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