What I Learned From My First Maternity Leave
January 16, 2017I had my first biological child when I was 41. At the time, I had a busy career as a financial planner for a global financial services firm and was already a stepparent. I liked my job, my team, my co-workers and the family-friendly corporate culture at my firm.
While I wasn’t quite sure what to expect after the baby was born, I had a vision that things would largely be the same, only busier. I’d be even more efficient and organized and cut back on some volunteering so I could get it all done. For those parents reading this, I’ll excuse you while pick yourself off the floor from laughing at my naiveté! If you are preparing now for parenthood, allow me to share some things I learned from returning to work after my first maternity leave:
Your HR Department is here to help you.
My HMO gave me forms to fill out for short-term disability and submit to my employer. It turns out I didn’t need them because my firm had 12 weeks of paid maternity leave with full benefits. My office HR rep was a fantastic resource once she knew I was expecting. She fully explained my benefits and how the leave would work.
Before my leave, she arranged for blinds to be installed in my team’s office indoor-facing windows, so I had a private place to nurse or pump when I returned. My manager encouraged my business partner and me to work out whatever arrangement suited us for my return, including a full-time schedule, a part-time schedule and working from home. Keep in mind that at the time I worked for a very large company that has won many awards for being friendly to working mothers, but even in a smaller company, you may be surprised at what you can negotiate.
It might start sooner than you expect.
As I wrote about here, a week or so before my daughter was due, I developed some unexpected complications and had to begin my maternity leave suddenly. It was challenging on many levels. I felt fine, and there were so many things that were left to do. Luckily, this happened late in my pregnancy, but I have friends who have had to go on leave suddenly with many months to go. A paid maternity leave that starts well before the baby is born could have financial implications.
If you still plan to take the same amount off after the baby then there will be a period of time without income. If you have sick time or PTO available, consider using that first before you begin your formal leave. Once you’re expecting, consider building up your emergency fund to cover an additional 3-4 months of living expenses above what you’ve already saved in case you have to take unpaid leave. Use this calculator to determine how much you can save.
You may want to take a longer leave.
After 12 weeks, I went back to work part time, but I found it was too soon. My baby wasn’t sleeping for more than 45 minutes at a stretch, and I was exhausted. My team at work was very understanding, and we tried keeping my daughter in the office with us for a while.
Eventually, I asked to take an unpaid leave for another three months, under the Family Medical Leave Act. That meant that I could take leave for an additional 12 weeks without pay but without risking my job. I was able to continue my health insurance coverage at the same group rate but had to write a check for my share of the premiums as I wasn’t getting a paycheck. See here to learn more about employee protections under the FMLA.
Accept you will feel torn.
Ambivalence is completely normal during the early stages of returning to work after maternity leave. When I was back in the office, part of me felt like I should be home, and when I was at home, part of me felt like I should be at work. Remember that your HR Department is here to help you manage the changes, so reach out when you have questions.
Don’t let maternity leave stress you out. Your company wants you to have a successful maternity leave and a productive return to work. With some preparation and a realistic assessment, you’ll be ready for it!
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