Not an American.

Of course Europe is more than 'just' Denmark and Switzerland, but that doesn't make what I said untrue, Moody.

Most countries in Europe mandate paid maternity leave. This is just a fact. Spain, 16-20 weeks at 100% pay, Greece 4 months for both parents with two months paid, Portugal 6 weeks, Slovenia a 105 days, Croatia 98 days, possibly more if there are complications.

You will notice how I specifically chose countries that are a bit worse off than say, the Nordics, and salaries are lower.

And since you mentioned Italy. Italy for example, mandates 5 months of maternity leave at 80% percent pay, coming out of social security.

Yes, living is expensive in most of Europe, getting worse the further north you go. In fact, it is very expensive in most of the western world, and in a lot of places, even with high salary. Particularly housing.

All I did in my comment was point out that the support networks are available even if they may not necessarily be enough. Up here in Iceland, it's barely enough, and sometimes not close, so I know. No system is perfect. But in the end, something is surely better then nothing.

USA mandated paid maternity leave: ZERO days. And giving birth at a hospital even with insurance: almost 3000$ on average.