Kuala Lampur, Oct. 27 -- When a child is born, a family's life changes overnight. This is a crucial time for parents to bond with their child, settle into new roles, and share the responsibility of care. Mothers also need time to recover from childbirth, while fathers play an important role in supporting her recovery, and managing the household.

Consistent care during this crucial window of a child's life is paramount. Yet for many working families, this is also when difficult decisions and trade-offs begin: who can afford to remain out of work to provide care, and for how long?

Family-friendly labour policies can help make it possible for both parents to take time to care without having to choose between caregiving and financial securi...