General maternity leave ?

aforst

My water broke on 4/2 and I was on hospital bed rest until she was born on 4/11. So, I've been off work since 4/2. It's been about 9 weeks total at this point. FMLA is generally only 12 weeks. My original intention was to be off until 8/13 (when I thought she'd be born 5/21.)

I have emailed HR to see what, if any, options I have for extending my leave to 8/13. I guess I'm essentially asking to take an unpaid leave until then. I know it totally depends on my employer, but is this something that's generally allowed?

I know I'm a valued employee and my company is pretty family oriented/friendly. I just cannot imagine taking her to daycare in 3 weeks. She's only 1 week adjusted at this point. Not to mention we're still in the NICU (hopefully going home tomorrow).

I'm just worried about what their answer will be

[Deleted User]

Can you offer a part time work from home kind of deal? 

I would imagine they would want to work with you especially since they are family friendly and you are a valuable employee. 

Pips09

Legally, they don't have to do anything other than the 12 weeks of FMLA, but they absolutely can do more, if they would like to. Reaching out now is the first step, and you should also think about a contingency offer, if they will not allow more straight leave. Perhaps a part-time work from home schedule or something along those lines.

aforst

If I had known we were going to be here so long I probably would have gone back to work for a while.

I guess I'll just have to see what they say. I think they'll be willing to work with me, at least I hope so. I do have some PTO, but not enough to get me through. I'd rather take it unpaid.

I do have STD. It covered me while I was on bedrest and for 6 weeks after her birth.

NoSoup4You

Unfortunately they aren't required to, but they can choose to.  Generally we would only provide such extensions of medical when it is the serious health condition of the employee that prevents them from working.  Whatever they approve, it likely wouldn't be a technical FMLA leave.  You may be able to request an unpaid personal leave.  That's how we would handle it.  From the employer perspective, they may not want to do this because it does set a precedence for future employees.  However, if you work at a family-friendly company, they probably wouldn't get too upset about it.  Do you know whether they have the ability to cover your work without putting extra pressure on co-workers?  Like do they already have a temp for you?  

You should also know that this kind of leave would not protect the premiums of your insurance coverage (if you have it).  You may be required to pay the employer cost along with your normal employee portion.  It's just something you'll want to consider.  Good luck!  I can't imagine going back either, so I really hope you find something that works for you.

aforst

They have someone covering my work already. I just got an email back and she said "let me do a little leg work on this and get back to you." It's just 1 lady that's our "HR" department. My company is pretty small.

I don't know what we'll do if I can't be off longer. I would really hate to quit my job bc I love it. I can't imagine going back to work that soon though.

All of this sucks so much. On top of it, I'm holding DD right now and she just had a fucking Brady. Now I'm afraid they won't send us home tomorrow. I don't know how much more of this back and forth I can take. I feel like I'm going to lose it.

Helenahhandbasket

My employer allows up to 6 months of unpaid leave-- it's case by case though.  The last person that took a leave like that was taking care of a sick/ terminal parent.

I think your situation qualifies-- it can't hurt to ask.  If they say no, can you maybe talk about a modified WFH schedule?

Edit-- can was supposed to be can't

aforst

I'm not sure what, if any, general leave of absence policy they have. I guess I'll just have to see what she says and then DH and I will have to decide from there.

I guess there's always a chance I could return to work and see if my boss would let me work from home for a few weeks.

I'm just getting so sad about everything. I've been trying to maintain but i feel like every time I turn around something else is being piled on. It feels like treading water. I kind of feel like I'm just going to flip the fuck out soon.

ready-or-not

All of the above, & also have your husband check into the FMLA guidelines at his work.  Most offer paternity leave for fathers also. 

vegasrockstar

Semi lurker here. My mat leave dates were the same as what yours were supposed to be... In 2012. So I am having all kinds of feelings for what you are going through. I can't imagine how hard it has been. Stay strong

That said, try not to stress yet. I went on bed rest 2 weeks early and "worked from home" meaning that I answered a few emails and phone calls. I don't think my company really had any illusions that I was putting in much work either. And they paid 2 weeks additional that should've been unpaid leave for reasons I never got a straight answer on

TL;DR they can do what they want, especially if it benefits them to keep you around long term.

It would be a good idea to check in with your boss or the person doing your work.

RayRay007

Do you have a salary continuance plan or disability/medical leave that might cover the time before she was born? That might buy you a week. Do you have holidays you can use after mat leave is up? If none of that is available, I don't think it's unreasonable to ask for an unpaid leave. Good luck. 

Manateearmz

Sterling13 said:

Some states like California have additional unpaid time off that's allowed beyond FMLA. Unpaid, but your job is ensured. Good luck!

This. I just found out Oregon has this as well.

Have a talk with your HR person, there are certainly options here. If you work for a smaller company hopefully they will be willing to help you out, or at least bring you back for 1 or 2 days a week until you and your LO feel better.

Big hugs, i know time off of work is what you don't need to be stressing over now. I hope thy get back with you shortly and help you out.