What You Should Know About Maternity Leave

When we speak of maternity,we’re talking about the period of time that a new mom requests off from her job immediately after her baby’s birth.  More and more companies are now offering this same period to new dads (but calling it “family leave”).

Companies usually create maternity leave from several company benefits, including vacation, sick leave, personal days, holiday time, and unpaid family leave.

It’s critical that you plan your family leave time so that your family and you don’t experience unanticipated financial burdens,and so that you can maximize your time with your newborn

During many mothers’ maternity leave, short-term disability will pay their salary, or at least part of it.  It covers a specific number of weeks which varies according to the company.  Some states require that companies provide this within the woman’s benefits.

It’s also possible to buy short-term disability coverage from a local insurance company.  The amount of money paid and the amount of time covered will vary.

Some mothers find that they have coverage from a vew different avenues. therefore, make sure that you confirm the policies in place with your employer.  Any money that your employer pays is taxable, however, you might possibly offset this with the deduction that comes from having a new baby.

Many companies will let you use your vacation,, sick or holiday time towards family / maternity leave.  some will expect you to use these benefits befor you can use unpaid time or disability. Again, you must check with your employer to find out what policies are in place where you work.

The FMLA,, or Family & Medical Leave Act passed by Congressrequires most employers to give their employees up to three months of unpaid leave time folloiwng the child’s birth.  This time applies to both mothers and fathers and is even available if they want to adopt a child.

In cases where both parents work for the same employer, this 12 weeks is divided among the two (in other words, it might be six weeks for each, or perhaps four weeks for one and eight weeks for the other).

If the family can afford it, unpaid family leave provides a great chance to bond with your new baby as well as to establish the new family routine and to get organized around the home.

Some mothers start taking maternity leave 2 to 4 months before delivery because they either want to begin preparing for the baby, or in many cases, the’ve started experiencing some discomfort. Other moms wait until the last possible day so they can have the most amount of time with the baby after it arrives.

Regardless, the FMLA says you have to give your employer a minimum of 30 days notice before taking your family leave time. Most employers appreciate it if you can give even more than that.

These suggestions will make sure that your maternity or family leave goes as smoothly as possible for all concerned: you, your spouse, your employer, and most importantly,, the baby him or herself.

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