Maternity Leave?

Question

Does anyone know if there are any programs out there available to help new moms without maternity leave?

I work for a small company that doesn't comply with the Family Medical Leave Act, have no vacation or sick time (must work for employer for 1 year first) and am currently 4.5 months pregnant. I am the money maker in my family and without some help I will not be able to take more than 2 weeks off.

If anyone knows of any programs or services that can help me spend more time with my infant I would greatly appreciate a reponse. Thank you!

Hubby can only make so much money/work so many hours. Company very strict on OT.

Company does not have to comply with FMLA because there aren't enough employees.

4.5 months along (see above)

Hubby can only make so much money/work so many hours. Company very strict on OT.

Company does not have to comply with FMLA because there aren't enough employees (21 at one site for state or 50 for Fed)

4.5 months along (see above)

Answer 1

I am in the same position.... my company has not been open for a year and there are less than 50 employees, so we do not qualify for FMLA (I tried VERY hard). My hubby is a cop and I am a ambulance dispatcher, so I told them they could either let me burn up my PTO (I do not have much) and then take a short leave..... OR they could let me dispatch from my house. We decided I would take a month off (and burn up PTO then take the hit in hours) then bring the baby to work with me. Could you do that? My other option was to dispatch from the house.... you might try that, then you don't lose money. I feel for ya, we are the same situation.

Answer 2

Sounds like you need to have a good talk with your boss. I thought every company had to honor the FMLA.

Is there a possiblity that you can do some work at home?

Answer 3

I don't know what state you live in, but I don't know of any job that doesn't follow the Family Medical Leave Act, I thought it was illegal not to. I know that every job has different ways that allow leave and for how long, but I am not sure how that is determined.

Start contacting some of the local pregnancy centers and ask them about your concerns. These places are not only for single mothers or for low income families, they are for everyone and they are normally really good at helping where they can.

Answer 4

While by law all companies have to comply with FMLA, this is not a paid benefit... it just means that your position (or one similar) is guaranteed to be there for you when you return. I know, it sucks for Mommies. Could your husband ask for more hours at work while you take time off?

Good luck!

Answer 5

i know this is easier said than done, but i think it might benefit you if you look for another job. why? 2 weeks is not enough to heal and bond. even if you r ready to go back 2 work, you know how many dr. appointments you will have. the first one is ussually one week after baby is born and then u got ur own dr. visits. what if God forbid baby gets sick, you will need time off to take that baby to the hospital. maybe baby daddy could do some supporting like taking on another job.
another thing you can do is to work only part time, or you can work from home if possible.

Answer 6

You could check with your county. I recieved a caring for new born benefit and they paid me to stay home the first couple of months. I don't think everyone is able to recieve it, but it's worth a shot. Good Luck!

Answer 7

Yes they have to honor the FMLA, but that's time off, not paid time off. You need some help dear. Start calling in the IOU's

Answer 8

How about getting your hubby to pick up the financial slack while you stay home with the kids?

Answer 9

How far along are you ?????????