Model returns to runway 6 weeks postpartum, sparks debate on maternity leave
Model Barbara Palvin returned to the runway six weeks after giving birth, raising questions about postpartum expectations and paid leave.
Barbara Palvin walked the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on October 18. The model returned six weeks after giving birth.
The 33-year-old gave birth to her daughter Sylvie in September. Palvin appeared twice on the runway in Los Angeles, including in a sheer pink dress and white embellished corset with wings.
Backstage, stylists sewed nursing pads into her bras. On Instagram, Palvin praised Victoria's Secret for accepting her at this stage.
She acknowledged the luxury of her choice. The US allows up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under federal law, but typical maternity leave is six to eight weeks.
Only 14 states offer paid family leave. Palvin urged followers not to compare themselves to her.
Every postpartum journey looks different. Her return sparked mixed reactions online.
Some celebrated her confidence. Others argued it sets unrealistic expectations for most new mothers.
- 33 years old
- Age
- 6 weeks postpartum
- Returned to work
- Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, October 18
- Event
- up to 12 weeks
- US federal unpaid leave
Why it mattersHer return highlights the US's limited postpartum support compared to other developed nations. It raises questions about when women feel pressure to just bounce back to work.
AustraliaAustralia offers 18 weeks of government-funded parental leave, giving Australian mothers more protected time than Palvin had. Her story highlights how more generous policies elsewhere still leave many women struggling.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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