Dr. Tanya Elliott: Take Connecticut paid leave for prenatal visits and postpartum recovery

On the Paid Leave podcast, host Nancy Barrow interviewed Dr. Tanya Elliott, a physician and chief medical officer for virtual care at Ascension, who urged Connecticut parents to take advantage of the state's paid-leave program for both prenatal care and postpartum recovery.

"So important," Elliott said of state paid leave, adding, "And I wish it was longer." Barrow framed the program for listeners: Connecticut paid leave provides up to 12 weeks of income replacement to bond with a new child (by birth, adoption or foster care) and an extra two weeks for prenatal care. Elliott recommended combining state benefits with any employer-provided leave and checking insurers for covered supports such as lactation consulting or doula services.

Elliott drew the connection between adequate leave and maternal and infant health. She told listeners that postpartum recovery frequently extends well beyond the standard 12-week window and described postpartum as more like 18 months for many women, urging parents not to expect a full return to pre-pregnancy energy and health immediately when leave ends. She also noted the program's mental-health provisions: "You can use Connecticut paid leave for mental health as well," Barrow observed in the conversation, pointing to the program's role in covering mental-health needs after childbirth.

The podcast placed the paid-leave discussion inside a broader health conversation. Elliott, who has extensive experience in telehealth and public education, also discussed how remote care can improve access to prenatal visits and make it easier for clinicians to assess home environments. She recommended that people "go for the state paid leave, empower yourself, and learn and understand" available benefits.

Practical takeaways for listeners included verifying the combination of state and employer leave, checking insurance for covered postpartum services, and applying through the program's official site. Barrow closed the episode directing listeners to ctpaidleave.org for more information and to apply.

The podcast did not report any formal policy changes or new law text; it served as public information and encouragement to use existing Connecticut paid-leave benefits.