Job-protected leaves from employment for employed women at the time they are due to give birth and following childbirth (or adoption in some countries). In some countries the pre-birth leave is compulsory as is a 6-10 week leave following birth. In most countries beneficiaries may combine pre- with post-birth leave.
The Clearinghouse on International Developments in Child, Youth & Family Policies. (2002). Mother’s day: More than candy and flowers, working parents need time off. Issue Brief, Spring 2002. Retrieved May 10, 2006, from http://www.childpolicyintl.org/issuebrief/issuebrief5.htm.