What Is Paternity Leave? Why It Matters More Than Ever
When most people ask “what is paternity leave?” the answer can be surprisingly complicated in the U.S. Unlike maternity leave, which people tend to expect, paternity leave is less understood, less offered, and less used, despite the proven benefits of paternity leave for dads, moms, and children alike. I know this firsthand.
When my first daughter was born, my husband and I blindly applied for our state’s paid family leave program. We had no idea what it covered or whether we even qualified, but we submitted the forms and hoped for the best. A few weeks later, we both received checks in the mail. Together, we were able to take 8 weeks of paid leave, an unforgettable stretch of bonding and recovery time.
But when our second daughter was born, the experience was completely different. My husband was working as an independent contractor and didn’t qualify for offered paid leave. Just four days after the birth, he was back on the job.
Our household spiraled. My newborn had jaundice and required careful monitoring. Breastfeeding was not working. And I cried every day. At my six-week checkup, I was diagnosed with postpartum depression.
I don’t blame it all on my husband’s absence, but I know that more weeks of paid family time together would have changed everything. And research backs this up: when dads take paid parental leave, babies thrive, moms recover better, and dads stay more engaged for years to come.
What Is Paternity Leave?
By definition, paternity leave is the time a father (or non-birthing parent) takes off work following the birth or adoption of a child. In some cases, this also applies to adoption or foster placement.
In the U.S., there’s no federal law guaranteeing paid paternity leave. Instead, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for eligible workers. While FMLA was groundbreaking in 1993, it still falls short. Most families cannot afford to go without income for 12 weeks, so many dads skip leave entirely.
Some employers are stepping up by offering paid paternity leave, sometimes between 6 to 12 weeks of paid time off. But these benefits remain inconsistent and often tied to corporate culture.
The Benefits of Paternity Leave
Experts and global studies show the benefits of paternity leave go far beyond a paycheck:
Healthier moms: Time together lowers the risk of postpartum depression and speeds recovery.
Thriving babies: Newborns benefit from stronger early bonding and caregiving.
Involved dads: Fathers who take paid time off remain more engaged with childcare and household responsibilities long after leave ends.
Work life balance: Families that start strong often maintain healthier dynamics as kids grow.
Countries with more generous, gender neutral family and medical leave policies see higher workforce participation among women and more equitable parenting at home.
Why More Dads Don’t Take It
So why don’t more dads in the U.S. use parental leave, even when they’re offered paid leave? Common reasons include:
Fear of career setbacks
Concern about being seen as “less committed” at work
Lack of awareness about their rights under the Medical Leave Act FMLA
The financial strain of only having weeks of unpaid leave available
This isn’t just a personal issue, it’s cultural. Our systems still frame caregiving as women’s work and breadwinning as men’s work. Until policies and workplaces normalize leave for all parents, change will remain slow.
Shifting to a Gender-Neutral Standard
That’s why many advocates, including us at Hello Bundle, use the term parental leave instead of maternity or paternity leave. The language itself matters. By shifting to a gender neutral standard, we’re saying all parents, whether by birth or adoption, deserve equal opportunity to bond with their children.
Paid, protected leave shouldn’t be a perk. It should be the baseline.
Ready to Understand Your Options?
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What is paternity leave, and do I qualify?” you’re not alone. Navigating state programs, employer policies, and the fine print of the Family and Medical Leave Act FMLA can feel overwhelming.
That’s where we come in. Hello Bundle helps new and expecting parents across the U.S. access the maximum amount of paid parental leave possible. Get personalized parental leave support here and take the time your family deserves.
About Hello Bundle
Hello, Bundle helps new and expecting parents navigate parental leave so they can take the maximum amount of paid parental leave possible when they welcome a child into their family. We provide daily parental leave tips and tricks on TikTok and Instagram, and offer personalized support across the U.S. through consulting calls, custom parental leave calendars, and PDF parental leave guides. Get support in your state here.
