(According to the OECD. These are not precise figures as it depends a lot on the types of leave, allowances, etc., but the OECD remains a reliable source to give a global vision). 

What these differences say about the way we parent 

4. The real impact on moms: mental workload, recovery, bonding 

When you read this, you quickly realize that paternity leave is much more than a question of days. It's a question of culture. 

In countries with a strong "shared parenting" policy, everything is designed to ensure that parents experience the early days together. Not "if the company agrees", not "if the timing is right", not "if no one minds". No: together, period. 

Conversely, in contexts where paternity leave is very short or little used, the implicit message is clear: "The beginning is the mother's business."

And when you're a mom, you know what that means: sleepless nights on your own, strong emotions, total management of the newborn while the other parent is already at work. It's heavy, and sometimes exhausting. 

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And what do we moms think? ?

5. What a difference it makes when dad is there

We know, because we live it: the father's presence from the start changes absolutely everything. 

When it's there, really there: 

It's amazing how a few days can change a life. And yet, many fathers don't dare put their days aside. For fear of being judged, pressure at work, or just because they don't know quite how. 

That's why we talk about it. To normalize. To raise awareness. To encourage. 

What we'd like for the future 

6. What should change tomorrow 

We dream of paternity leave that allows all couples to experience the early days together, really together.
Leave designed for the "real thing": the dark circles, the feeds, the doubts, the cuddles, the sleepless nights and the little moments of magic.

A vacation that recognizes that the arrival of a baby is not just a matter for mothers.
That it's a story for two (or more), right from the start.

Because we all know: postpartum isn't just a sweet time. It's a tsunami.
And a tsunami is best experienced by two people.

Why don't fathers always take time off? 

7. Social and professional pressure holds them back 

It's a question moms often ask each other:
"But why hasn't your partner put down all his days?"

And the answers are almost always the same: 

We see this pressure coming from afar. We sometimes even feel it for ourselves, so imagine what it's like for fathers: they're asked to be present at the birth... but also available at work, efficient, invisible in their role as young dads. 

The result?
Many take only part of their days off.
Others take them, but feel guilty about it.
And some don't even dare ask.

The problem is that this hesitation creates an enormous enormous inequality in the way families experience the first few weeks. Because while one is hesitating, the other (often us, the moms) is taking it all on, with no choice in the matter.

What this means for the baby (and why it's important) 

8. The father's presence, a real benefit for the infant 

We hear a lot about ourselves, but paternity leave is also a gift for the baby.

Studies show that : 

In other words: this leave is an emotional investment for life. 

And let's face it, babies don't need perfect parents. He needs two parents present. Available. Not running between meetings or feeling guilty about not being at work.

So, where are we headed? 

9. Changing attitudes, but still a long way to go 

You can see it: it's moving. Slowly, but it's moving. 

More and more workplaces : 

And society is changing too: today, it's more valued to be an involved father than one "who never misses a day's work".