WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Maternity Leave: Know Your Options

Pregnancy
Professional life and pregnancy
Maternity Leave: Know Your Options 🤰💼
Becoming a mother is a significant life event, and one of the essential considerations during pregnancy is maternity leave.
Maternity leave provides crucial time for new mothers to recover from childbirth, bond with their newborn, and navigate the early challenges of motherhood.
1. Know Your Legal Rights 📜
  • Familiarize yourself with the maternity leave laws in your country or state to ensure you understand your rights as an expectant mother.
  • In the United States, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child, or for the care of a seriously ill family member.
  • Some states may have additional maternity leave laws that extend the duration or provide paid leave benefits, so research both federal and state laws that apply to you.
  • Understand your company's maternity leave policies and whether they go beyond the legal requirements. Some employers offer more generous leave options to support their employees during this important time.
2. Paid Maternity Leave 💰👶
  • Check if your employer offers paid maternity leave benefits, which can provide financial support during your time away from work.
  • In some cases, employers may provide a certain percentage of your salary during maternity leave or offer a fixed amount of paid leave.
  • Understand the specific requirements for eligibility, such as the duration of employment or the number of hours worked per week, to qualify for paid leave.
  • Be aware of any paperwork or documentation you need to submit to your employer to apply for paid maternity leave.
3. Unpaid Maternity Leave 📅🤱
  • If you are not eligible for paid maternity leave or exhaust your paid leave before the desired time off, consider unpaid maternity leave options.
  • Unpaid maternity leave allows you to take time off from work without losing your job or benefits.
  • Some countries have laws that protect your position and guarantee your return to the same or equivalent position after your leave ends.
  • Discuss with your employer the process of taking unpaid leave and whether any special arrangements need to be made to ensure a smooth transition back to work after your maternity leave.
4. Maternity Leave Policies for Self-Employed Women 📝💼
  • Self-employed women face unique challenges when it comes to maternity leave since they do not have traditional employers offering benefits.
  • Plan your finances in advance to cover expenses during your maternity leave as a self-employed individual. Consider saving money to support yourself during this time.
  • Assess your workload and consider adjusting your projects or commitments leading up to childbirth to ensure a smoother transition during your time off.
  • Explore hiring temporary help or collaborating with others in your field during your maternity leave period to share responsibilities and maintain business continuity.
5. Returning to Work: Post-Maternity Leave 🏢👩‍👧
  • As your maternity leave comes to an end, consider discussing with your employer the option of a gradual return to work. This could involve working part-time or having flexible hours during the initial weeks back at work.
  • Plan ahead for childcare options and make arrangements that suit your family's needs and preferences.
  • Seek emotional support from friends, family, or support groups as you navigate the challenges of returning to work as a new mother. Remember that it's normal to have mixed feelings about this transition, and having a support system can make it easier.
All you need to know
Work While Pregnant 101
1 min read
N
Nimra
12 Jan 2024

What week did you ladies start your maternity leave? I'm currently heading into week 36 and still working. #

Pregnancy Professional life and pregnancy
3 comments
K
Kissten2gmailcom
I'm done nxt Friday at week 37
27 Mar 2024

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K
Keke
I’m working too I’m 36 weeks my last day 1/21
27 Mar 2024

Answer

A
Anise
21 Nov 2023

When do you guys start your maternity leave ? I start Dec 15th a week before my due date 🤗

Pregnancy Professional life and pregnancy
2 comments
D
Dee
I started mine the day I had my son .I worked till he was ready.
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jasmine
Mine starts Jan 2. only because my due date is during Christmas break
27 Mar 2024

Answer

J
Jasza
2 Nov 2023

Does anyone know how short term disability works for maternity leave? Also,.what's the different between FMLA and STD? I don't get paid while on maternity leave so I was hoping I'd get something for std? Thanks in advance!

Pregnancy Professional life and pregnancy
1 comments
S
Samantha
Short term disability, you may get paid
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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Y
Yaritza
1 May 2023

Hey y’all beautiful mommas, when did you get your 2nd anatomy scan and if some of you know how to apply to maternity leave??

Pregnancy Professional life and pregnancy
5 comments
M
Mindy
I’ve never heard of having 2 anatomy scans. As for maternity leave, it depends on who you work for and what their policies are. Reach out to HR as ask them. For me it’s FMLA. I get the paperwork from my job and have my obgyn fill it out
27 Mar 2024

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Y
Yaritza
Thanks so much 🤗
27 Mar 2024

Answer

R
Renee
23 Apr 2023

Ladies when are you putting in your maternity leave ? I don’t want to do it too early or too late.

Pregnancy Professional life and pregnancy
9 comments
K
Kiea
I’m trying to so mine close to his birth I’m due July 22nd so I plan to do it like 2 weeks before he is born
27 Mar 2024

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S
Shanora
I talked to HR the other day: because my job does summer lay off in may ( I work on a college campus) I don’t want to consider that my maternity leave so I’ll be starting mine in august when we come back to work so I can have more time with the baby. I’m due in June
27 Mar 2024

Answer

L
Liz
11 Mar 2023

Anyone know how to sign up for FMLA maternity leave? I can’t figure out the website for the life of me 😭

Pregnancy Professional life and pregnancy
4 comments
D
Dia 🧞‍♀️
As long as your job offers it and you meet the requirements you should be able to go thru your HR and they can assist you with the process, that's how I did it with mine.
27 Mar 2024

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L
Liz
Ok thanks! I work for FedEx warehouse so they only do 2 weeks paid but I can take a couple months off and still have my job ready for me when I get back. Just wish they did more paid leave 😞
27 Mar 2024

Answer

S
Shyann
1 Nov 2022

Have any of you guys gotten paid on your maternity leave?? I’m due in January and I have no clue what I’m going to do financially.

Pregnancy Professional life and pregnancy
2 comments
J
Jailene
I’m due any day now but depending on your job you should get paid. I’m getting paid 90% which ain’t bad for me staying at home. I would just look into it or ask your hr.
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kayla
23 Aug 2022

If anyone is interested in a work from home job with no experience let me know! You make your own schedule and this is something I've started to bring in a bit of income since I will be on unpaid maternity leave.

Pregnancy Professional life and pregnancy
4 comments
K
Kayla
No it's not 😊
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kayla
I been doing it for a few weeks now
27 Mar 2024

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