The rules for whether maternity leave, childbirth leave, paternity leave, marriage leave, or breastfeeding leave can be extended when coinciding with statutory public holidays differ.

Below are the rules explained by the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Human Resources and Social Security.

1. How many days of maternity leave and childbirth leave can a female employee take?

According to Shanghai's regulations on family planning, for couples who give birth in compliance with China's laws and regulations, the mother, in addition to the national maternity leave period of 98 days, may take an additional 60 days of childbirth leave, totaling 158 days.

If the birth involves dystocia (difficult labor), an additional 15 days are granted. For multiple births, an additional 15 days are added for each additional child.

2. Can maternity leave and childbirth leave be extended when overlapping with public holidays? Can a woman take childbirth leave before maternity leave?

According to relevant regulations, childbirth leave is extended when it coincides with public holidays.

Female employees may start their maternity leave up to 15 days before the expected delivery date, meaning maternity leave comes first, followed by the 60 days of childbirth leave.

Childbirth leave should generally be taken continuously together with maternity leave.

3. Is paternity leave extended when overlapping with public holidays?

Paternity leave must be taken continuously during the mother's maternity leave period and can be extended when it overlaps with public holidays.

4. Is marriage leave extended when overlapping with public holidays?

According to relevant regulations, citizens who marry in compliance with the law are entitled to seven additional days of marriage leave beyond the national marriage leave period. These seven additional days are extended when they coincide with public holidays.

Important reminder: Marriage leave should be taken continuously, including weekends.

5. Is breastfeeding leave extended when overlapping with public holidays?

Definition of breastfeeding leave: After maternity leave expires, if a female employee faces difficulties and work arrangements permit, she may apply for 6.5 months of breastfeeding leave, subject to approval by her employer. Alternatively, if a Grade II or above medical institution certifies that the employee has a postpartum illness that severely affects the health of the mother and child, the employer should approve the leave upon her application.

Current laws and regulations in China do not explicitly specify whether breastfeeding leave can be extended when it coincides with public holidays. Therefore, it is determined by the employer's lawfully formulated internal rules and policies.

Important reminder: Employers are required to pay female employees on breastfeeding leave at no less than 80 percent of their wage income before the leave. Employees on breastfeeding leave are not required to work.

Disclaimer: This article is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific cases, please consult the competent authorities or a qualified legal professional.

Source: Official WeChat account of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Human Resources and Social Security (ID: "shrsjwx")