sünnituspuhkusel

Sünnituspuhkusel is an Estonian term referring to maternity leave. It is a period of paid absence from work granted to a woman before and after giving birth. The duration and specifics of sünnituspuhkusel are regulated by Estonian labor law.

Typically, sünnituspuhkusel begins 70 days before the expected due date and can extend for a total of 140 days. This leave includes both pregnancy and childbirth. During this period, the employee receives maternity benefit, which is a percentage of their previous earnings, aiming to provide financial support while they are away from work and caring for their newborn.

The purpose of sünnituspuhkusel is to allow mothers adequate time to recover from childbirth and to bond with their baby without the financial strain of lost income. It is a fundamental right for expectant mothers in Estonia. After the sünnituspuhkusel ends, parents may also be eligible for parental leave, which can be taken by either parent to further support childcare. The system is designed to balance the needs of working parents with the well-being of children.