TAMPA, Fla. (BLOOM) – Paternity leave may be on the books, but for most American fathers, it’s rarely taken in full, and experts say the ripple effects are hitting families and workplaces alike.

New research from Pediatrics highlights how few fathers take more than two weeks off when their child is born, even though evidence suggests those early weeks are critical for bonding, mental health, and long-term family wellbeing.

According to a study of Georgia fathers conducted through the CDC's Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System for Dads, 92% were employed during their partner’s pregnancy. Of those, 73% took some form of leave, but 64% took less than two weeks or none at all. Only 36% reported taking two weeks or more.

“This isn’t just a family issue—it’s a workplace culture issue,”

See Full Page