For new moms, those early weeks postpartum are a whirlwind—full of love, exhaustion, and big adjustments. But what if you had six full months to heal, bond, and settle into motherhood without the pressure of returning to work? That’s the reality for many moms in China, where paid maternity leave extends to half a year.
A recent viral TikTok video from Aileen Wang (@aileenw1113) is sparking a conversation about maternity leave worldwide. In the clip, which has already racked up over 1.1 million views, Wang shares her postpartum experience in China, where she’s able to rest and recover without financial stress. Her story has struck a chord with moms across the globe—especially in countries where maternity leave looks very different.
@aileenw1113 In China, we get six months of paid maternity leave and have a tradition called “sitting the month”—kind of like a cozy VIP jail for new moms. #china #maternityleave#givebirth #baby #postpartum ♬ Piano breeze gently lyrical drama movie tells a story – Ricky Wang
Exploring China’s six months of paid maternity leave
In China, new mothers are given six months of paid maternity leave—a policy designed to prioritize maternal health and early bonding with a newborn. That means more time for recovery, more time to establish feeding routines, and more time to simply be with your baby during one of the most tender, life-changing seasons of motherhood.
Related: American mom gives birth in Japan and the amenities are jaw dropping
Moms are weighing in
The video’s comments section has become a safe space for moms to share their own experiences—some in awe, some in frustration, and many wishing they had received the same kind of support.
- @🌀cositacat: “6 months Paid Leave !!! Incredible! That is how the government should treat women.”
- @Whitney Spangler 🆘 🇺🇸: “After a c-section w/ my daughter I was released 2 days later and had to go back to work after 3 weeks because I didn’t have maternity leave.”
- @Melissa🐝💙: “I’m jealous of complete strangers but so thankful at the same time that this is available to women 🙌”
- @thrift_trash: “I almost died during a c-section and was sent home after 1 night. One 5 minute follow-up to remove staples 5 days later and back to work 8 weeks later. 😭”
Their words highlight a painful truth: maternity leave policies vary widely, and for many moms, the time to heal and bond is cut far too short.
A global perspective on maternity leave
While six months of paid leave is standard in China, other countries also recognize the importance of parental time off. For instance, Sweden provides 480 days of parental leave to be shared between both parents, emphasizing the importance of family bonding. In contrast, the United States does not mandate paid maternity leave at the federal level, leaving many new moms to navigate a complicated web of employer policies and state regulations—often forcing them to return to work long before they’re ready.
Related: U.S. moms lose an average of $9,500 thanks to unpaid maternity leave
Why longer maternity leave matters
Studies show that extended maternity leave can lead to better health outcomes for both mother and child. More time at home allows moms to recover fully from childbirth, strengthen their bond with their newborn, and establish crucial breastfeeding and sleep routines. Longer leave has also been linked to lower rates of postpartum depression and better long-term health for children.
A conversation we can’t afford to ignore
Aileen’s TikTok video is doing more than sharing one mom’s experience—it’s shining a light on the reality that maternity leave isn’t just about time off; it’s about giving moms the support they need during one of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives.
As conversations about paid family leave continue, one thing is clear: moms deserve better. And until real change happens, we’ll keep amplifying the voices of mothers who are speaking out, sharing their truths, and advocating for the care they—and their babies—deserve.
For more insights into global maternity practices and stories from mothers around the world, explore Motherly’s collection of birth stories.
