In Poland, we have solutions that for many women across Europe are almost unimaginable. Differences in the length and financing of maternity leave can surprise even those who know Western realities well. When placed side by side, it becomes clear just how exceptional the situation of Polish mothers is.
Maternity leave in Poland compared with Europe
Most of us consider a year of childcare to be the norm. It is worth realizing, however, that maternity benefits of this length are a true luxury on a global scale. In Poland, a mother is entitled to a total of 52 weeks (20 weeks of maternity leave and 32 weeks of parental leave), all of which are paid.
The Polish system protects women from dismissal and allows them to build a calm bond with their infant. Polish labor law in this area is family-oriented rather than focused solely on employee efficiency. As a result, childcare in Poland is far more comfortable than in countries we consider wealthier.
Number of children – Maternity leave – Parental leave – Total care period
1 child – 20 weeks – 32 weeks – 52 weeks (1 year)
2 children (twins) – 31 weeks – 34 weeks – 65 weeks (over 1 year and 3 months)
3 children (triplets) – 33 weeks – 34 weeks – 67 weeks
4 children (quadruplets) – 35 weeks – 34 weeks – 69 weeks
5 or more children – 37 weeks – 34 weeks – 71 weeks (almost 1.5 years!)
The German maternity system
In Germany, the system is divided into two parts: Mutterschutz (maternity protection) and Elternzeit (parental time).
Mutterschutz (only 14 weeks). This is the period during which a German mother receives 100% of her salary. It lasts just 6 weeks before birth and 8 weeks after birth. For a Polish mother, who is guaranteed a year of paid leave, 8 weeks after childbirth is the moment when recovery is only beginning, while a German woman already has to decide what to do next.
Elternzeit (parental time). A German mother may stay at home longer (even up to 3 years), but this is where financial difficulties begin. She then receives so-called Elterngeld, which usually amounts to only 65% of her previous salary (and is capped at around EUR 1,800).
In Germany, finding a nursery place for a child under the age of one borders on a miracle, and the social and economic pressure to return to work is enormous.
Maternity care in other countries
United Kingdom – leave lasts 52 weeks, but statutory pay is very low and often insufficient to cover basic needs, forcing English women to return to the office quickly. For the first 6 weeks, a mother receives 90% of her earnings. For the next 33 weeks, she receives statutory pay, which amounts to 90% of earnings. Given British rental and living costs, this is often not enough even to pay the bills. The final 13 weeks of leave are completely unpaid.
Switzerland – a mother there has only 14 weeks of paid leave. After just over three months, she must leave her infant and return to full-time work.
USA – federal law, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), guarantees only 12 weeks of unpaid leave, and only in larger companies.
Spain – both parents are entitled to the same amount of leave, 16 weeks each.
France – the maternity system is geared toward a quick return to work. For the first and second child, only 16 weeks of paid leave are granted (6 before birth and 10 after). Only with the third child does the leave extend to 26 weeks. French women are known for leaving their 3-month-old babies in so-called crèches (nurseries) and returning to the office.
Looking at these cultural and legal differences, it is clear that the Polish maternity system is designed with the well-being of the child and the mother in mind.
Why is the Polish model the best in Europe?
Polish resourcefulness is also evident in how available tools are used – combining leave with part-time work or transferring part of the leave to fathers (so-called paternity leave). All this means that a Polish mother has time to be a mother, not just a cog in a corporate machine. No wonder foreign women living in Poland are delighted – in their home countries, no one gives them as much time for a child’s first smile or first steps.