Thoughts on maternity leave?

BumpJackie

Only 12% of people in the U.S. work somewhere that offers paid maternity leave, which means that many men and women have to take a pay cut right when their costs of living are about to increase exponentially. We're looking to hear stories from you on your personal experiences with maternity leave. Did you have a positive (or negative) experience? How did you approach your maternity leave with your employer? How did it impact you financially? If you're willing to share your story, please reach out to mbach@xogrp.com ASAP. Thanks!

csgtv

Bump

macbook

i have a lot of thoughts about this - who is this that we should be contacting exactly?

cbaby206

I took the entire 12 weeks that my job offered, even though short term disability only covered me for 8 weeks at 66% of my salary. We did take a little financial hit as a family, but we stayed afloat. I saved a lot before knowing i would only be getting a little more than half my paycheck for 3 months. I loved being off with my baby, but i was glad to get back to work as well, knowing she would be in good hands with my mom. 

emisteven

Even paid leave and discussion with employers starting as soon as you announce pregnancy does not account for preemies. Preemies are expected to be held in NICU until they're at term, so if you have 8 weeks short term disability at 60% pay and 4 additional weeks to the FMLA unpaid total, babies born two months early have just 4 unpaid weeks at home, unless you forfeit part of the paid leave. After that time, they still another couple of weeks before the babies' immune systems will be ready for daycare.
My employer was willing to allow me to return to work a few weeks after FMLA, but not to adjust my schedule (same hours, fewer days) so paying for daycare would not be at a loss. Get it in writing or it never happened.

dawnrellim

I took 12 weeks off and didn't get paid for it, I knew I wasn't getting any money for it because I am part time and I don't get paid leave. I saved up some money prior to birth and tried to buy everything before I went on leave. Then from my savings i bought only what was necessary for baby. I got most of the necessities from my baby shower. My DH helped also but I was able to stretch out my small amount of savings until about a week before I had to go to work. I saved about 270. I think it's very shitty that most American don't get paid maternity leave. Most developed country's in the world do offer compensation during maternity leave. I dislike my country more and more everyday.

HouseSpouse

12 weeks (if you're lucky) is definitely laughable and unfair to mothers.