1. Not Your Average Vacation
Maternity leave or parental leave is the time off from work given to expectant parents for the birth or adoption of a child. If giving birth, leave ranges from six to eight weeks depending on the circumstances. Cesarean births and unforeseen complications allow for longer leave. Speak with your boss or Human Resources department to learn the guidelines for your company. Be sure to have any necessary forms filled out in advance just in case you take leave sooner than expected.
2. Short-term Disability and Other Income
Income during maternity leave normally comes from short-term disability benefits. In most cases, you must use a week of vacation first. Some moms use personal days and sick time. If income is an issue, use a combination of the above. There are employment guidelines you'll need to meet regarding eligibility for coverage through your company. When you don't qualify for coverage through them, some states provide short-term disability coverage. Short-term disability covers between 50 to 100 percent of your salary. Address any concerns or questions by speaking to other moms at your company.
3. How Soon is Too Soon
Expectant mothers can take leave starting about the seventh or eight month of their pregnancy provided their health or type of work doesn't require them to go out sooner. Women can work right up to their delivery date. However, if you take leave early and your job permits, talk to your boss about working from home until a week or two before your due date. This will allow for extra time after the birth of your child.
4. Your Rights Under FMLA
The Family and Medical Leave Act allows moms and dads to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a newborn or adopted child during a 12 month period. FMLA protects your job while you're gone along with any benefits and seniority. Your employer can require you to use sick leave or vacation time for some or all of your leave, but they must notify you of this in writing. FMLA also allows employers to include maternity leave as part of the 12 week period. Again, this has to be put in writing before leave begins. To qualify, your employer must have at least 50 employees working within seventy-five miles of your workplace and you must meet all time requirements for employment.
5. Set Realistic Expectations
Don't overdue it. Take time to rest and get to know your little one. Shortly before returning to work, take your child to the day care or babysitter you've selected. Spend about an hour letting them get used to each other and watching how they interact. When you feel comfortable, leave your baby with them. This allows you to see how it feels being away and you can use the time to run errands.
