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Q&A: How much maternity leave?

How can I figure out how much maternity leave I’m entitled to?

Re: How can I figure out how much maternity leave I’m entitled to?

First, find out what your employer offers. Review your employee handbook and any medical or maternity leave policies posted on your corporate intranet, or check with a rep from HR. You may be eligible for short-term disability coverage and/or paid or unpaid leave as a benefit.

If you work for a company that has at least 50 employees in a 75-mile radius and you’ve been there at least a year,you are eligible for unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). It allows you 12 weeks off in a 12-month period. (It might have to be taken concurrent with any leave your company grants.) You can take it all at once or in shorter increments. For example, you could take 8 weeks off right after your baby is born, and then take one day a week off for the next 20 weeks. Your employer must continue to provide health coverage and must allow you to return to your same job or one equivalent. Check the National Conference of State Legislatures to see if your state has its own (potentially more generous) regulations on leave.

Paula Kashtan | May 04 , 2009 2:59 PM

re: Q: Entitled to Maternity Leave?

what if your company has less than 50 employees?

Wondergirl73 | July 25 , 2007 2:58 PM

re: Q: Entitled to Maternity Leave?

what if you've been with the company less than 90 days?

SUMMER4718 | August 25 , 2007 12:18 AM

re: Q: Entitled to Maternity Leave?

Does anyone know if companies are required to pay for your health insurance during your leave? Once I use up my vacation and sick leave, I've been told I will have to pay for my health insurance. Didn't know if this was normal...

mommajd28 | October 07 , 2007 11:56 AM

re: Q: Entitled to Maternity Leave?

My sister took a maternity leave recently and is now having to pay the insurance that they didn't take out of her short term disability check.

pugs325jr@cox.net | October 15 , 2007 10:02 AM

Q: Not sure if I'm returning, still get maternity leave?

What if I decide at the end of my leave that I want to be a SAHM, will I have to pay my company out or return any money?

LuckyLove | October 26 , 2007 9:24 AM

re: Q: Entitled to Maternity Leave?

When I supervised, I learned that, if you were off the payroll for a full payperiod, you were responsible for your share of the cost of insurance. So if I take 12 weeks of FMLA, but only have sick leave/vacation for 6 weeks, I have to pay the cost of the insurance plan starting week 7. In a different dept, one woman scheduled herself to use 3 sick leave/vacation days per week and 2 unpaid, to stretch it out and not have to cover the insurance cost. Talk to your HR people.

Beth10/16/04 | January 16 , 2008 10:49 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

When thinking about leave be sure to know the regulations for your babies child care when you return to work. I work in a day care and we don't enroll children under 6 weeks old, so any parents will at least have to take that amount of time off to care for their child until they can be enrolled.

frf1537 | August 25 , 2009 11:01 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I just got on maternity leave, I was told by the state at least in NJ that you get 4 weeks before your due and 6 weeks after you give birth.

miocam13 | September 08 , 2009 4:55 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

We get minimum 2 years with job security (and nearly full pay) here in Germany. We're lucky here! :)

Magsk | September 17 , 2009 6:30 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I suggest work as long as you can and take a longer leave after you give birth to spend extra time with your baby.

MYRACOLLINS | September 18 , 2009 1:17 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

It looks like I won't get 12 weeks just b.c my job doesn't have 50 employees. It's a private owned business (which makes a lot of money, btw!) and by the time I have my baby I'll have been there a year and a half. I'm hoping to work at home part time anyways. But we'll see what my boss says, she's not very understanding sadly. It's all work work work with her!

snickybugg | October 08 , 2009 6:39 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I can't believe how little mat leave US residents get :( In Canada you get one year (although not with full pay unless your company tops up what the government gives). I guess we're pretty lucky here

fero121 | November 03 , 2009 10:03 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I'm a full time nanny and I don't get any maternity leave.. if i take off its completely unpaid and the family asks I only take 4 weeks off after the baby is born and I think that is absolutely rediculous i dont mind taking it unpaid but I don't think they should determine the time frame.. What is a common maternity leave time frame most women take??

cryckret1 | December 16 , 2009 11:17 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

Cryckret1, that's horrible! Seeing as how you can't put your child in daycare until they are at least 6 weeks old, the family you work for should understand that! And I agree that the U.S. is the worst when it comes to maternity leave! I will have to be on FMLA since my job doesn't offer maternity leave and they just began to offer Short term disability which I don't qualify for since I'm already preggers - been with the company for two years...sheesh! Times like this, I wish we lived overseas....

toyah81 | December 21 , 2009 1:34 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

We get a month pior to haveing the baby and 6 months paid after having the baby, and here in BRAZIL they cant fire you, unless obviously you rob/steal do things to the extreme....

fernandezg | December 21 , 2009 1:42 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I am very happy to be Canadian! Realizing I am beyond blessed to get off work 8 weeks prior to my due date and one full year in total of Maternity leave :)

Mikgirl87 | January 09 , 2010 11:41 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

My company is cutting me off Insurance at the beginning of May- I am due April 25. They are not keeping my job, and I get no benefits whatsoever. I am not entitled to anything at all since they have fewer than 15 people. Discrimination laws only cover companies with higher than 15 people and FMLA, 50 employees, and COBRA 20 employees... man USA stinks!

Tovah137 | January 11 , 2010 1:19 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I'm a teaching in Indianapolis and I get to take a year off with my baby and still have my job. I'm planning to take a semester off (half year). That means my baby will be close to 5 months before it has to go to daycare.

rlyttle | January 22 , 2010 2:25 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I work for a small (10 employees) company and I am the only woman. I get 12 weeks unpaid but it must be taken consecutively (no one day off a week here). I only get that because I edited the company handbook last year and changed it from 6 weeks and my boss did not change it back. He would prefer I come back at 2 weeks. I am responsible for my health insurance ($185 a pay) once my vacation/comp time is finished before I come back and for the baby's insurance ($98 a pay) the entire time I am off.

rmattis | January 29 , 2010 11:58 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

im from canada, and we recieve 65% of our pay for 12 months for either mom and or day. but we can take up to 2 years off and still have a job, 2nd year are unpaid tho. mom and dad can either can 6 months at the same time, mom 6 months then dad 6 months or mom/dad can take 12 months. :D we are lucky here too

BabyNoahsMommy | January 31 , 2010 9:37 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I was just informed that i only get 30 days. If I am unable to return within those 30 days, my employment is terminated. Has anyone ever dealt with this?

Binkx007 | February 16 , 2010 10:16 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I get 12 weeks paid, plus any vaction time that I have. Then my company lets you bring your baby to work until they are 5 months old. I am feeling very lucky about that one!

ldennison | February 16 , 2010 1:13 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

Man, I should move to Germany or Canada.

aleighhendrix | March 07 , 2010 9:51 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I work for a company that has less than 50 employees but our parent company has more than 50. All HR info I've ever seen, including the comapny handbook I was given has been in the parent company's name. I have worked there over a year. I wonder if that will still qualify me for the 12 weeks off through FMLA. Oh and I'm with the comment made before, we should all move to Canada. It's so sad that we live in one of the most well off countries in the world and our health care system and family values are so behind other countries.

renbel | March 16 , 2010 10:45 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I was already preg when I started my job. Not sure what they're going to do when I take off. They say they're going to work around it, but I've been burned before. I think pregnant woman in the USA need to rise up. We definately do not get the treatment we deserve. And even worse....paturnity. Dad's don't get any bonding time with the baby here.

crystal_d1980@yahoo.com | March 30 , 2010 10:20 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I thought 12 weeks was good until my Canadian friends started feeling sorry for me; now I know why!!

rachellynna | April 03 , 2010 9:10 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I can take up to 12 weeks. My company pays for 2 weeks maternity leave and then i can use my vacation time/sick/personal time after that. My husband is able to use his sick time and he has a ton of it. He will probably take 2 months and it will all be paid. After the first 3 weeks i will go to work for 2 days a week just to keep something coming in.

our1stbabynov | May 06 , 2010 4:44 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

In my company i get 6-8 weeks (depending on the type of deliver -natural or c-section) 60 % paid maternity time off . After that its FMLA.

zeelakhani | May 07 , 2010 4:16 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

IF I TAKE 4 MONTHS OF LEAVE? CAN MY JOB FRIE ME? OR DO THEY HAVE TO TAKE ME BACK?

JESUSITA26 | May 07 , 2010 6:39 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I'm afraid to tell my job I'm pregnant because I really don't see it working out when I come back... when I ask to leave early for a doctors appointment now (by early I mean an hr..) its an issue with my co worker who gets paid a full time salary but works part time... :( I don't know what to do...or how I should tell them? I know as soon as I say something.. my work will want to know when I will be coming back and honestly I don't know what I am going to do after the baby is born yet... I need the money but i don't think working 8-5 M-F is fair for the baby...any advice? :(

mysticchica23 | May 11 , 2010 7:00 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

i thought that the norm was 6weeks? does it make sense that i would use my banked sick time hours for my family leave time? how my coworkers are explaining it i dont have enought sick time hours to take the whole 12 weeks

trombagn | May 11 , 2010 8:41 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I've only been at my company for a month and I'm due in December...we have well over the required amount of employees...but since I'll be here less than a year I'm sol... When will the US get on board and realize we need to give mom's more time?? seriously!!

pipergirlz | May 13 , 2010 2:53 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

12 wks would be amazing!!! However I'm active duty military: no time prior except for personal leave and only 6 wks of maternity leave after.

labefana85 | May 27 , 2010 12:08 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I am from the US but currently work as a teacher in Mexico. I thought that the US had better maternity leave than here but it seems to me it's the same, 42 days before and 42 days after. During that time you are not allowed to set foot at work or the company can be sued by the government. Incredible that the US doesn't give more time!

ciaocamila | May 31 , 2010 7:43 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I am a HR Professional. and TTC, so I have a good understanding of the time you are aloud to take under FMLA. You have to work for a least one year and 1250 hours. Your employer must have 50 employees within a 75 mile radius in order to be requried to follow this act. If your company is requried to follow FMLA guidelines you will be entitiled to 12 weeks of leave over a one year period. This can be taken all in one chunk or over the course of the year. As far as benefits, they must keep your benefits during the 12 weeks of leave. However, since FMLA time is non-paid time you will not have the benefit of having the health insurance premiums deducted from your paycheck. So employers can ask for you to send in monthly payments for your portion of the premium while on leave. Some employers might wait to take the payment when you return. Employers are also requried to have you return to your same position at the same rate of pay. Various states might have different laws on preganacy leave, that might be better than FMLA. If your employer is not FMLA eligible or/and you have not been with the company for 1 year then unfortunatly, you will not be protected under this act. However, as best pratice most employers who offer STD (Short Term Disability) will allow for the employee to remain active during the STD period. Most STD plans cover pregancy and birth for 6 weeks. It is always best to ask your HR dept about the leave options that your employer offers. Also, knowing your companies policy on leave should be considered when TTC. You don't want to put yourself in a position where you are not protected under FMLA or not eligible for leave benefits.....hope this helps!

V-bride | May 31 , 2010 8:39 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

My employer is paying my heath premiums while I am out on short term disability. I do have to pay them back. They gave me several options, however. Make a payment by personal check directly to them in some ammount either as a one time payment or monthly, or they will double my bi-weekly payment taken directly out of my paycheck for the amount of paychecks I received while on short term disablity. Perk to having them take the payment out of my check when i get back is it will be Pre-Tax. Sending in payments or a payment by check will be after tax has been removed from my paycheck.

crysarnold | June 06 , 2010 8:58 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

Sorry to hear that Cryckret1. I myself think its unfair but also I have experienced the other side. We had a caretaker for our grandmother, kinda an adult's nanny, at 8 months she told us she wanted to take 12 weeks pregnant. I can't afford to deal with finding a new caretaker, it takes multiple interviews and background checks. All so I can find a 12 week replacement so she can come back. We told her that we can't do 12 weeks. I can get out of work early and use an adult geriatric day center but I can't afford to do that for more than a month. I gave her the option that after the 4 weeks I could take off work early and she is more than welcome to bring her baby. Grandma is pretty self sufficent just needs to be watched and to give her all of her medications. Grandma even did all the cooking and most of the cleaning in our house. Once a week the caretaker would drive her to the grocery store and grandma did the shopping. But the caretaker said that it wasn't reasonable and she took the time off even though I told her I would have to find a permenent replacement since I can't afford the 12 weeks. After 16 weeks she called me and was upset because I had filled the position. Well our current(the replacement) caretaker is amazing! we love her!!! she's great with grandma even though grandma lives in an assisted facility now and said she is more than happy to do our childcare. Cryckret1 you just have to think about their side. See if they will allow you to bring your child, if they are happy with you they very might think its a good idea. we thought it was.

nursenhowell | June 09 , 2010 12:01 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

we get up to 12weeks with the FMLA but we have to use our pto and eib after that runs out we have to start paying for our ins. but anyone can get 12 weeks with FMLA

sloony | June 23 , 2010 7:28 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

Depends on where you are and the labour standards...I am in Canada and have been working full-time for over two years so am entitled to one full year of leave. Review your employee policies and any laws that apply.

damensmummy | July 02 , 2010 4:53 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I'm in Cali, and as far as I understand...your doc can take you out of work up to one month prior to your due date. Then you get 6 weeks post delivery paid through state dissability (8 if you have a c-section). Then after this time, you can take up to 12 weeks (if you've been at your work 1 year) through the FMLA/CFRA act (6 weeks of this can be paid through Paid Family Leave, the rest is unpaid but with job protection.

applejacks68 | July 05 , 2010 2:41 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

So recently I found out that I'll be starting a new job! FABULOUS for us because it's more money and a great company. But literally, the DAY AFTER I received my offer letter, I found out I was pregnant! Now, since I won't be at the company for 12 months, i won't qualify for FMLA. I was stressing about it pretty badly, but I'm meeting with HR in a couple of weeks to discuss my options. I can't believe CANADA and GERMANY get such nice leave times. That's amazing. Pipergirlz, you're totally right. US needs to get on board here!

_lobsters__ | July 13 , 2010 7:17 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I'm a receptionist at a college and the other receptionist is also pregnant and is due in August. The only way i'll qualify for maternity leave is if i work her hours while she's on her maternity leave, then ill have the 1250 hours and 1 year that's required to qualify, if not, im SOL and i'll have worked there for a year. lol the US gov is not very nice.

allienorris | July 21 , 2010 8:22 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I'm lucky I'm a teacher and was able to plan my baby's birth date. I'll be eligible for 12 weeks of vacation (some of which will be unpaid), but I will have my summer off (with only minor prep work). By the time school rolls around for fall in 2011, the baby will be about 5 months old. While my situation is OK, I wish I was in Canada right now, too.

garaasjohnson | August 10 , 2010 3:18 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

haha wow now i dont feel like canadian maternity leave isnt enough we have to have 500 hours and we can take a full year off .... plus we get it paid and still are entitled for family allowance...

Kummer2011 | September 04 , 2010 1:05 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

where i work we don't have maternity leave we have to use our paid time off and we are required to take 6 weeks no more no less. So i will only have three weeks paied.

agrady42 | September 12 , 2010 5:50 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I only work part time in a drop off child care at a local gym, and i dont get any paid time off or anything. it stinks, but i have only been working 3 days a week for 4 hours at a time since i was 5 months pregnant. it basically paid for the gas to get to and from. im scheduled for my c-section on oct 11 and i told them sept 16 would be my last day. i changed my mind and called them today, told them i wasnt feeling up to coming. it's hard being 8 months pregnant and working with 20-40 little kids. they are, however, saving my spot for me. which makes me very happy. and luckily, its a free service to the members and i can take my baby with me when i go back to work. :-)

evajean85 | September 13 , 2010 10:46 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

Yes, we here in America like to talk the talk about "family values" and family coming first, yet when it comes to walking the walk, we fall far short of putting the family first with very small exceptions. It's pathetic. I work for a non-profit company of 15 employees who talks the talk as well, but when it comes down to it, I'm on my own once my sick and vacation time is up. They don't even have to guarantee my job for me when I come back. They are completely exempt from any laws regulating family leave. How lovely. My short term disability will cover only $1,000 of my recovery time unless I have a C-section, in which case they cover more time off. It's ironic to me that they would basically pay me more to have surgery, when my preference is to go as naturally as possible with a shorter recovery time. You'd think that's what they would like to reinforce, but those aren't the values our country holds right now. My husband and I have decided that our time at home with the family is more important than anything else, so I gave up my insurance with my company and went on to my husband's insurance from the beginning. I'm lucky I had that option - many women here don't. In addition, we gave up our comfy and spacious house for a small one that we could afford on one salary and we will both stay home with our baby for 12 weeks. If I lose my job because of it, so be it. All you Canadians and Germans out there - yep, you've got it good. Be proud that you as a people have put raising a family at the top of your priority list. It may not be a perfect system that you have, but at least you don't go around bragging that it's the best in the world when there is clearly a lot of room for improvement.

susanadanna132 | September 17 , 2010 11:28 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

Be careful-if you are employed half-time they aren't required to give you ANYTHING. Talk with your boss only when you have to, and your union rep (or handbook) even earlier.

randommoose | September 19 , 2010 8:47 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I'm a personal assistant... So I am the office. I'm not really entitled to anything so I have to start interviewing and training a person to relieve me for a while.... what's fair for me to ask off?

AJAmbriz | September 28 , 2010 5:57 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

Maternity leave is determined my your company / boss (individually owned). Please read my blog post about Maternity leave to get a better idea of what happed to me. http://www.hotdogbunintheoven.com/?p=695

hotdogbunMama | October 06 , 2010 9:30 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

The 12 weeks thru FMLA is unpaid; the amount that's paid can depend on your employer but i think it's usually 6 weeks altho part of that may be disability which isn't full pay. My husband's from Canada and all of our friends there get a year with 60ish% of their pay! I think the US and employers here need to start doing more to protect families, 6 weeks is not enough time to spend with your baby & is too soon for daycare but a lot of women have to go back. But even if you take the unpaid 12 weeks they cannot fire you for it.

thankthesox | November 06 , 2010 11:15 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

Q: Maternity Leave in New Jersey Is there anyone who lives in New Jersey & has taken maternity leave but through disability & not through FMLA? I am so confused. I am the 1st one in my company to have a baby so they have no clue what the laws are & what I am entitled to for maternity. It is very frustrating. HELP!

cheeva123456 | December 09 , 2010 10:59 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I am also from Canada and work for the Federal Government. We get one year in total. (with an option to split 30 something of those weeks with the father/let him take all/mother take all; whichever you prefer. The government gives you a large chunk, and federal government (my employer) tops up the rest to full salary for one year. I consider myself very lucky -- esp. after hearing all the issues in the states!!

twinkle_toez69 | January 13 , 2011 7:47 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

My state is so hostile to pregnant women it's ridiculous (unless they're uneducated, unmarried and too broke to raise the child - then it's pretty much a free ride and the taxpayers who make too much to qualify but not enough to afford their own children foot the bills). Only FMLA applies - no state laws to help out, no disability.

Mellingtonboots | January 19 , 2011 5:15 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I have been in HR for the past 6 years...and from what I know at the company I work for is that you have 12 weeks off for FMLA in a 12 month period....You can get short term disabilty if you are currently enrolled in that benefit. Short Term Disability only pays out for 6 weeks if you have a vaginal birth and pays out for 8 weeks if you have a c-section. This is paid out as a seperate check so you are required to pay for your benefits during the time of your leave. It is also my understanding that if you choose to be a SAHM at the end of your leave you will owe your company nothing as far as money goes. I hope this helps and good luck to you all!!!

MELASH08 | February 08 , 2011 4:38 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

Before the baby is born, your dr will give you a note to be off work from the time they deem it to be medically necessary to either the due date or until 6 weeks post partum. Your leave before the birth is considered to be due to your own medical condition and many employers do not require you to use your vacation time. Once the baby is born, your LOA becomes FMLA baby bonding time. Most employers do require you to use your vac time for this leave. By the way, daddy's are eligible for baby bonding time just like mommy's. I don't know if it is for as long since there is no medical recovery necessary. Even if you were just hired, your job is protected. You cannot be fired because you are pregnant. If you choose to be a SAHM after your leave, there are no repercussions, your employment simply ends. You are responsible for making sure your insurance premiums are paid each month while you are not working. I know I am kind of rambling, I hope I was of some help to someone.... bottom line is talk to your HR office and to your dr to find out everything that will apply to you.

babybuckley | February 23 , 2011 12:08 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

Were I work in Chicago we get 12 weeks. You use all your sick time and vacation time first, than the company gives you 6 weeks pay at a small percentage of your salary. I got smart last year and made sure too enroll into Short Term Disability. So we'll also get an extra $1500 a month. Not much but I'll take it. My company continues to provide insurance throughout but I continue to pay bi-weekly out of my payroll.

denise0209 | February 23 , 2011 8:34 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

It varies depending on your employer, how long you have been employed, and the laws in your state. Check the FMLA law in you state and compare it with what your employer offers.

bkchic | February 28 , 2011 11:21 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

We get three 3mos in Jamaica once you've been with the company over a year without break.

Peta23 | March 09 , 2011 11:11 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I get 5 weeks off, unpaid with no benefits. If I have a C-section I can take 3 months off. And I didn't expect to get pregnant so I don't have short term disability.

Sippen | April 12 , 2011 11:02 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

If you can stay at home. The first 2 years of your babies life is crucial, and even though you think you have an amazing daycare. nothing compares to momma :) so cute back and stay home :)

jmorri8 | April 12 , 2011 12:33 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney offers 16 weeks of paid maternity leave. I'm a very lucky girl.

Katie52008 | April 18 , 2011 2:31 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

Since I'm a student I only get the time that I am on break. If the baby is early or on time we will be okay, but if he/she is late then I may only get 3 weeks. Not sure how we are going to work out daycare. Hoping that DH can take off to stay with the baby! : /

mcbutler23 | April 25 , 2011 6:23 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

The company I work for authorizes 6 weeks maternity leave with pay and all benefits. Also, should I want to extend my time, I can add on my actual chargeable vacation days. They also sponsor 10 days of paternity leave with full pay and benefits that does not count against his vacation time. I love my job!

norvelln | May 10 , 2011 6:08 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I have to admit reading all these reviews I would be so happy to get even 6 weeks. I work for a Danish company that only gives their US employees 2 weeks maternity leave. I am clearly quitting since 2 weeks is not enough time and in Denmark they give up to a year. Very unfair that is their policy.

puni1 | May 10 , 2011 4:20 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I'm getting 3 months off at 60% pay. (In US) I have to pay the same insurance premium that would come out of my normal paycheck...so no change there. I haven't told my boss my plans yet though. I really like the idea of streching out the last month...taking an extra day or two off every week for a while. I want to try to find some other ladies here that have taken maternity leave recently, before I give my final answer.

BrainyBelle | June 24 , 2011 11:02 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

well to me 3 months isnt enough time for a newborn. But thats the most decently time someeone should have off. sad to say im having twins,s i had to leave my job @ 3 months because of all the trouble this pregency was given me. My job is now holding my postion(wich iam soooo thankful for)and after i have the babies i have 1 month off instead of 3. So im taken adventage now!!!!

TruN | July 25 , 2011 10:55 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

You know what ladies? Other countries DO have good, but that doesn't mean that we have to suck it up and deal with this poor treatment of one of the nation's most valuable assets: the family unit. Currently, the US ranks below all other developed nations in terms of its maternity / paternity leave and consideration of the family unit. US parents are treated at the same rate as third-world nations, in one of the worlds richest countries. What a huge disparity that needs to be addressed. We need to demand change, and that change needs to come from the top down. Our nation's legislative branch has been dropping the ball and catering to the wrong people for far too long. We need to prove that we need to be respected both as parents and as a vital part of the economy. The longer that they neglect our needs, the more the country spirals downward. We are an enormous percentage of the population, and we have strength in our numbers. Organizing together to produce a protest would show the world that it is about time the US begins to treat the parents of future generations in a better, more respectable way. I would like to know, how many people would be willing to be a part of something, to organize and make positive changes in the face of what we've been given for family and maternity leave? This is your chance to do more than just complain, but to actually do something about it. Making real change is never easy, but it is always worth the effort. PM me if you want to do more.

awesomeartist | August 15 , 2011 9:39 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I've been on medical disability since week 5 due to severe hyperemesis gravidarum. I am now 28 weeks and planning to go back to work next week. I live in CA and work as an RN at a hospital. I've been told I've used up all my FMLA and will have only 4 weeks of maternity leave. I was too sick to do my own research on my maternity leave rights and too sick to understand my HR lady who was little help in explaining things to me. My question is, can they use up my FMLA BEFORE I give birth? Do they run it concurrently with state disability? I've been on disability related to pregnancy for 5 months why would that use up my maternity leave before I give birth and leave me with almost nothing postpartum?

rociorn | September 08 , 2011 4:37 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

It depends upon your employer, In my organization there is a one month maternity leave which females can take in the 9th month, i dont know about other organizations. Assignment Writing | Thesis Writing | Book Report Writing | Dissertations | Admission Essay Help

PeterMark | September 29 , 2011 12:51 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I think the normal rate is 12 weeks. There is a lot of people that use more then 12 weeks but 12 weeks is the norm. Toronto movers

jb4522jb | November 13 , 2011 9:51 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

The US sucks in regards to maternity leave. And they wonder why our children are behind etc., well they force the mother basically to return to work before there really and the children suffer

Anishadvs | December 17 , 2011 7:57 AM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

I'm finding that the great ol USA, who claims to be the greatest country on the planet, isn't all that great when it comes to having some heart for new mommy's. I work at my OB's office (where they claim I'm an excellent employee btw) and I am expected to pay the entire $1500 deductible required by my insurance (thats through the hospital where I'll be delivering!). In addition to that, I don't qualify for FMLA and one of the HR people told me to my face that I can take a leave of absence but not to expect to have a job when my maternity leave is over. Even if I were to only take the 6 weeks my doc will require me to be off work, that doesn't matter to them! After all the jokes that Americans make about other countries, seems to me that we need to applaud them on having some love and concern for their people.

tadeardorff | March 11 , 2012 1:28 PM

Q&A: How much maternity leave?

FYI, it's NOT helpful for a working mother to hear that she should "cut back" and not go back to work. FOr some people work is not an option!!!!

vschrooten | Yesterday 12:14 PM

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Q&A: How much maternity leave?

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