It's also true in the UK. High housing costs, high living costs and low wages means two parents need to work as much as possible.
The first 6 weeks: 90% of average weekly earnings
The remaining 33 weeks: £187.18 or 90% of average weekly earnings (whichever is lower)
So not much after the first 6 weeks
Some data for non-statuary maternity pay https://www.incomesdataresearch.co.uk/resources/insights/mat...
Later
From the people I know, the financial pressure seems to build around 6 months as their employer's maternity pay is fading into the distance, but they struggle on a bit longer.
I admit there may be different definitions of "as soon as possible" between the USA and other countries. Most people here would love to be able to afford at least 1 year if not more.
Just because the the US provides zero paid leave by law doesn't mean women don't take maternity leave - it's often self funded of course. How about you look into that and compare, instead of trying to ask specific questions to arrive at a gotcha