Adviser suggests giving new mums 1-year leave

Beijing has been urged to extend maternity leave to one year, to benefit both the recovery of the mother and the healthy development of the newborn.

The current allocation of 128 days is not enough for new mothers to fully recover, and newborns are intensely in need of care at this stage, according to Li Jianli, a political adviser who works in the education industry.

Starting work too early after delivery will put mothers in a difficult situation, she said.