If you're expecting and working full time, you're probably looking forward to some kind of maternity leave after baby arrives. All companies in the US with at least 50 employees are required to give eligible employees 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Some progressive companies actually extend this "benefit" to dads, too.
The weeks leading up to your due date can feel quite stressful around the office. Most moms I know (myself included) tried to work right up until they went into labor. Obviously, this isn't always possible. Women in jobs that require standing all day or require lifting probably need to leave the job earlier. But with maternity leave policies being what they are, you'll probably want to save your time off for when you can be home with baby. I've heard many stories of moms who left the job a week before their due date only to be sitting home two weeks later still waiting.
Preparing to leave your job for an extended period of time is a little nerve-wracking, especially if a replacement is coming in to cover your duties while you are out. Let's be honest here, it's only natural to worry about how life will change after baby arrives. And having someone else sitting in your desk every day while you're at home might make you feel insecure. It's important to remember that the FMLA requires employees be restored to the same or an equivalent position after a maternity leave.
But what if you're considering leaving your job after baby? Should you tell your employer in advance? My advice? Absolutely not! Your maternity leave is a right that's protected by law. You might think staying home with an infant is what you want more than anything right now. Ten weeks into your maternity leave, however, you might feel differently. You really never know how it's all going to play out so it's best to keep all options open until after you've had some time to adjust to your new life as a mother.
If you're expecting, are you planning to return to work after baby arrives? What have you done to help prepare your colleagues for your extended absence?
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Are you trying to conceive or are you in the beginning stages of pregnancy? Do you feel excited, daunted or confused? Join Moms2B, a group to learn about prenatal care and share your pregnancy "firsts" each step of the way. To join, click here.
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Comments: 5
I had a planned induction on a Monday, so I was able to finish up my work and tell everyone "See you in six weeks!" My water broke at 2:30 in the morning, but it was nice to get to the hospital and they had my room all ready for me!
The friend I mentioned above took full advantage of the 12 weeks, and wasn't sure if she was coming back. We were left high and dry when on the day she was suppose to come back, she couldn't do it and resigned her position. Needless to say, since we had been without her for so long, the company decided we didn't need to replace her at all. We actually lost a friendship over it, since I was angry she didn't come back. It wasn't until a year later when I had my baby that I knew where she was coming from, but by then, it was too late.