I would like to take 8 weeks, is that too much time? I just found out my insurance will cover 5 weeks which is great. I can afford to go 3 weeks without the pay. But is it going to look bad to my employers if i do that? I think legally I can take 12 weeks. Just wondering what other people are planning on doing? any suggestions?
2007-01-18 04:21:24 · 12 answers · asked by Heather T 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I took 12 weeks, but I had vacation and sick time to do it. My employer is great and would have been fine with leave without pay, though.
If you aren't sure how your employer will look at the leave without pay, what I'd do is first talk with them about your plans for maternity leave. Let them know about the 5 weeks with pay and ask if it would be ok with them to take the 3 without pay (even though you have the legal right). It's nice to be asked. Tell him that you will certainly return after that if that is your plan. I think some employers fear being told the person is going on maternity leave, then when it is up, without notice, the person decides to be a stay at home mom. They are then left high and dry. So if you intend to come back, reassure them before and during your leave. Maybe stop by with the baby, let your friends at work see the baby and maybe meet with the boss about what's going on there. Check back in before you return to work to see if there's anything you can do/read/etc to prepare for coming back to the office. If you call or come in a few times, it shows you're interested and connected and fully intend to return.
2007-01-18 04:33:25 · answer #1 · answered by tcdrtw 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Legally, you CAN take 12 weeks. I did that...and went 8 weeks without pay. That was unfortunate but my husband is a SAINT and made it work somehow!
I say...take as much time as you can possibly afford. And when the baby arrives, you will fall in love and NEVER want to go back to work. Of course that is not realistic and you will have to.
Don't worry about your employers...this is your baby...it is the MOST important thing you will do in your life. Now is not the time to worry about your employers, it's time to focus on your baby.
2007-01-18 12:29:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I only got to take 4 weeks because that I was all I could afford (I wasn't paid Maternity leave). However, I think it depends on you and your relationship with the new kiddo. If you'd like to take 8 weeks, do it. But if after 5 or 6, you feel like you've established a good connection with your baby, go back to work early. Explain what you're planning to do with your boss -- I'm sure he/she will understand. Don't worry about what other employees are thinking... don't let their judgments effect your relationship with your baby. Best of luck to you & the new baby!!!
2007-01-18 12:26:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can afford to the the 8 ten go for it, I only took 5 weeks but was having money is hues so had to go back to work, I would of loved to take more time
2007-01-18 12:26:04 · answer #4 · answered by cowgrl3611 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, ur body should be well after a month so if u feel comfortable, u can get back to work anytime after that. Look bad to ur employers? in what way? u had a baby and it took up alot of energy. even taking care of a baby for the first few months could be a little tiring.. which is more important? ur child or ur job? if its legal to take 12 weeks then pls do.. u wouldnt wanna miss seeing ur child grow... :) take care..
2007-01-18 12:29:08 · answer #5 · answered by justme 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that 8 weeks of maternity is fine. I know that alot of woman would like to be able to take that much time off as well. And Congrats on the baby.
2007-01-18 12:26:51 · answer #6 · answered by Daigsmommy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took the full 12 weeks off, even though I was only paid for 6. I enjoyed the extra time off and it gave me a little more time to heal from my c-section and more at home time with my son. If you can afford to stay at home as long as you can, it was so great for me
2007-01-18 12:26:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take as much time as you can. Iam taking nearly 3 months. most of which will be unpaid. Disability only covers 6 weeks for me.
2007-01-18 12:24:57 · answer #8 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most people take 6 weeks unless there were complications.
2007-01-18 12:25:07 · answer #9 · answered by Stephanie D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im taking a year!!! Glad i don't live in the States
2007-01-18 12:25:11 · answer #10 · answered by Serry's mum 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋