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Staying on Top While You're Waiting to Pop
The Working Woman's Guide to Pregnancy and Maternity Leave
By Shannon McKelden
Once it was assumed that working women would quit working when they started their family. Today, thankfully, women have more choices. They are free to enjoy time with their baby and then return to their job or career when the time is right. But sorting out all the choices about pregnancy and maternity leave can be confusing.
The No. 1 consideration is maternity leave. How long can it be? When will it begin? What kind of options are there for flexibility? How much leave can I afford?
"The U.S. is one of the few countries in the world that does not guarantee paid maternity leave," says Nataly Kogan, co-founder and CEO of WorkItMom.com. "So many moms worry about how long they can take off and how long they can afford to take off. Many large companies offer at least four to six weeks of paid leave, but in many situations, moms have to cobble together vacation time, disability and use their Family Leave to take off several months for maternity leave."
It's important not to assume anything. To make informed decisions, find out your company's policies early. Kogan believes communication is key. "Moms should make sure they understand exactly how long they will have for maternity leave and how much of it will be paid," she says. "HR departments are the place to go for this type of information, but most moms we've talked with say talking to a colleague at your company who has gone through this process already is the best way to get all the details."
Once you know your options, plan your time off. Decide whether to work until delivery or whether to take time off before the birth. Help your employer decide who will take over your responsibilities while you are gone, or whether you will do some work from home. And plan for the unplanned.
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