Exploring the Effects of Paid Leave for Parents and Newborns in Colorado

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Colorado's paid family and medical leave program (FAMLI) began paying benefits in January 2024. It gives most workers up to 12 weeks of paid, job-protected leave after the birth of a child. In partnership with the FAMLI Division at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, we surveyed 410 birthing parents who received FAMLI benefits. This exceeds the original target number (N=400). Parents reported their weekly benefit, household income, mood, and bond with their infant. Our analyses suggest that mothers who received higher weekly benefits reported fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, after accounting for household income and infant age. A partner's benefits were not linked to the mother's mood, and benefit amount was not linked to bonding. These findings suggest that the level of wage replacement may matter for maternal mental health after birth. We shared the results with our state partners, along with a profile of who took part, to inform outreach as the program grows.