Maternity Leave Question - how many weeks?

monica92603 · February 2012

I took 20 with Grace and I will take 20-24 w/ this one too hopefully. NJ protects your job for a max of 24 weeks through FMLA and NJFLA. Some of it runs consecutively. I will be home for 20 weeks after the baby comes and the additional 4 I might take before if I feel like it. W/ Grace I went into labor at work so no time beforehand was taken.
Whatever I take beforehand will be paid 100%, the first 8 weeks after baby will be 100%, 3 weeks of PTO 100%, 6 weeks at 66% the last 3 will be unpaid but we have planned/saved for the 66% and unpaid part so I can stay home as long as my job is covered.
I could not imagine going back to work after 6 weeks but I understand some people have no choice. If you work for a company w/ more than 50 employees then you are covered under FMLA and get 12 weeks of job protected leave.

luckibrat · February 2012

I took 4.5 months off with DD. I am a federal employee and we have no maternity benefits, so I was paid about 50% using all of my vacation and sick leave, the rest was leave without pay. I was able to go back to work at a part time schedule for a while while I tranisitioned back and that was really helpful. That said, I was more than ready to go back to work and will likely head back after 12 weeks with this next baby. DH is considering taking some time off after I go back, so we'll see how long this little one stays home.

kje120 · February 2012

I had 8 weeks off completely (6 weeks of STD and 2 weeks unpaid) and then I worked from home for 4 weeks so I was home with him for 12 weeks. For the next one (whenever that is) I will probably take more time unpaid to have at least 10 weeks off without working.