Maternity Leave?

Question

I was just wondering what the minimum amount of time women take off for maternity leave. Financially, I won't be able to take off for too long, but I want to have an idea of a length to tell my boss.

I know I am entitled by FMLA to 12 weeks, but there is no way I can take off that long. My employer doesn't have paid maternity leave, I will just be able to use my sick time. I don't have to worry about finding someone to watch the baby though, since my husband doesn't work.

Answer 1

that depends on how you give birth. if you give birth vaginally you should be able to be up and around much sooner than if you have a c-section. you should try to save as much money as possible to supplement your income while you are off work. does you company offer paid maternity leave? i work for a hospital and they will pay 60% for 12 weeks or more if deemed necessary by your doctor. do you have vacation and sick leave available? you should talk to your doctor about maternity leave time and see what is suggested for an apropriate amount of time to be away from work.

Answer 2

Under FMLA I am entitled to 12 weeks...2 weeks will be paid thru vacation time I have saved, 6 will be paid through short term disability and 4 will be unpaid....if I even return...however FMLA is a federal law...as long as you have been with your employer over 1 year and worked more than 1250 hours and there are more than 75 employees you should be entitled to 12 weeks FMLA as well.

Answer 3

Does your employer offer disability insurance? You might check on that. When I had my son, I used sick time for three weeks, then disability paid me until the 10th week. I took two more additional weeks off without pay. In total it was 12 weeks.

If you aren't already covered, you probably can't buy it now, but it's worth looking into.

On an emotional note, you may feel that once the baby is born, you want to take off more time than planned. I know I did.

Answer 4

I would definitely take 6 weeks if you can afford it. That gives you time to recover well, find child care and see your doctor for your checkup before returning to work. Many busy women really get antsy staying at home for 12 weeks, although that is also an option to you. I know single moms who returned to work in 2 weeks because there was nobody else to pay the rent except her.

Answer 5

i would say work if you can till it is time for the baby then take the 6 weeks off that you are supposed to anyways.

Answer 6

generally 6 wks for your body to recover and if you're using a day care facility most will not take a baby b4 6 wks

Answer 7

6 weeks 4 weeks if you really want to push it and had a normal deliverly. C-section it would be longer.