Barbara Palvin has called for better maternity leave and postpartum support in the US, emphasising the challenges mothers encounter when returning to work after childbirth. The model, who returned to the Victoria's Secret runway about six weeks after giving birth, said she was fortunate to choose when to resume her career.
In an Instagram post, Palvin thanked her family and friends for their support in the early days of motherhood. She also acknowledged Victoria's Secret for accommodating her postpartum needs during her return to modelling.
'I mean, we were literally sewing nursing pads into my bras backstage! A little reminder of the reality behind all the glam,' she wrote. This experience prompted her to think about mothers who don't have the same flexibility when returning to the workforce.
'Going back to work was a choice I was lucky enough to make. And while I'm so grateful for this opportunity, I can't help but think about all the mothers who don't have that choice,' she said. 'In the US, so many women are expected to return to work just 6–8 weeks after giving birth, often without paid maternity leave. Mothers deserve more time, more support, and more choices.'
The Reality Of Postpartum Life
Palvin explained that her runway appearance did not reflect the daily challenges she faces as a new mother. 'Some days, just finding time to take a shower or sit down and eat a meal in peace feels like a huge accomplishment,' she wrote, adding that these moments also deserve recognition.
She further emphasised that postpartum experiences vary for everyone, and mothers should not feel pressured to compare themselves with others. 'One thing I really want to say is that every postpartum journey looks different, and none of us should ever feel the need to compare. What you saw on that runway was me all dolled up, but my everyday postpartum reality looks very different.'
Her Instagram post featured photos from her journey, including pregnancy, caring for her baby, feeding, preparing the cot, and exercising. 'Motherhood is hard, beautiful, messy, emotional, and so, so worth it,' she wrote.
US Maternity Leave Debate
Palvin's comments have brought attention to the limitations of US maternity leave. For example, access to paid time off depends on state laws, employer policies, and eligibility.
The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for childbirth and newborn care. However, the FMLA does not guarantee paid leave. Employees qualify only if they meet requirements for length of employment, hours worked, and workplace location.
Some states have implemented paid family and medical leave programs, and certain employers provide additional benefits. As a result, many parents rely on savings or accrued vacation and sick leave to cover their absence from work.
Mothers Share Their Experiences
Palvin's comments have encouraged people to share their experiences with maternity leave. Many have raised concerns about recovery, breastfeeding, and the differences in workplace policies. One commenter praising her remarks wrote: 'I love how she made it clear that postpartum is different for every woman. Such a beautiful soul.'
'6 wks is ridiculously short for maternity leave, seriously it takes 9mths to incubate the little ones it's going to take just as long out longer to recover from pregnancy and childbirth', another commenter wrote. 'Plus they recommend breastfeeding for like at least 6mths so how are you to breastfeed and work, and even if you didn't give birth, small babies are small babies who feed frequently and do not sleep through the night'
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A different participant described feeling pressured by her employer to return to work on a specific date. She wrote on a Reddit thread, 'I was given 8 weeks maternity leave because I had to have a C-section in 2011. It would have been 6 if I had to have a vaginal birth (my daughter was breeched)'.
'And the company I worked for wanted me to return on a Wednesday and I said absolutely not I'll return the Monday after that Wednesday. No one was happy with me but no one fought me on it, they just basically told me those extra days wouldn't count as part of my FMLA.'
Another individual explained that they used accrued leave to extend their time away from work: 'I was given 3 weeks (unpaid) off via work for leave, my husband got the day of my C-section. Thankfully, I had saved enough vacation and sick days to get me fully paid through 3 months.'
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A Message To New Mothers
Palvin then encouraged mothers to recognise their efforts, regardless of their individual circumstances. 'Because whether you're walking a runway, going back to work, or simply making it through another sleepless night, we all have one incredible thing in common: we created a miracle,' she said. 'And that alone deserves to be celebrated.'
She ended her post with a heartfelt message to other mothers, writing, 'Let's go, mamas! We're all doing amazing'.
