What term describes the time allowed away from work due to having a baby?

The term that describes the time allowed away from work due to having a baby is maternity leave. This leave specifically pertains to the period that a mother can take off from her job following the birth of her child. It is designed to provide mothers with the necessary time to recover from childbirth and to bond with their newborn. Maternity leave policies can vary by country and employer, often including various durations and pay structures, but fundamentally, it is intended to support new mothers during an important life transition.

Parental leave, while related, typically applies more broadly to both parents and can encompass time taken off by fathers as well. Thus, while maternity leave is aimed specifically at mothers, parental leave extends to both parents in the context of caring for a new child.