BusyBeeMama.com

This is the second article in the “Pregnancy & Work” series.

One of the first things that you’ll need to start thinking about as soon as you learn that you are pregnant, is what are your plans for working during your pregnancy and after the delivery.  While nine months may seem like a long enough time, it’s amazing how quickly they fly by, and the earlier you start planning, the better prepared and less stessed-out you will be.

If you are like me, and this is your first baby, you may feel competely lost and unsure where to begin.  Here are a few tips to help you get started with the planning process:

1. Decide how long you want to continue working prior to delivery.  This will largely depend on your job.  With some jobs that require little physical strain you may be able to work up until the delivery.  With other jobs, that are more physically demanding, it may be wise to stop working or transfer to another job earlier.  The stress level of your job should also be an important consideration, because high level of stress on a regular basis can be harmful to both you and your baby.  Because so much depends on your individual situation, you should discuss it with your doctor as soon as possible and get their recommendation.  If your doctor does recommend taking an early leave from your job, you will need to begin planning for that as soon as possible.
2. Decide how much time you want to take afterwards.  While you will not be able to return to your work immediately, how much time you take for the early bonding period depends on your preference, personal circumstances, and other options available to you.  My goal has been to make that period as long as possible because it is important to me to stay home for at least the first few months of my daughter’s life.  But if you have a strong support network (such as the baby’s grandparents, other relatives, or even the baby’s father) who can take care of the baby early on, you might be able to return back to work sooner.
3. Research your options.  Make sure to speak to an HR representative in your company to find out what maternity leave options are available.  There may be several, such as:
   • The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, which allows for twelve weeks of unpaid leave and the same or equivalent position when you return.
   • State laws that may allow for some disability benefit related to pregnancy (for example, the state of California provides 6 weeks of partial wages for the bonding time with your newborn).
   • Your company’s plan, which may provide additional pay and benefits for the new mother (and, in many cases, father).
   • Using your vacation time, since you probably won’t be going on any vacations for a while anyway.
   • Taking an unpaid leave of absence, which some companies may allow you to do above and beyond the twelve weeks guaranteed under the FMLA.
4. Talk to other mothers.  As I was trying to navigate my way through the maze of the various laws and disability plans, I found myself getting very confused.  Talking to the other women who have had babies in the last few years has helped me better understand the options available, as well as make decisions regarding how long (and when) I want to take off.  Having a support network of other women who could share with me their experiences has probably been the best way for me to do a “reality check” on my maternity leave plans.