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Question about maternity leave

MDBabyMamaMDBabyMama
in 3rd Trimester
As of now, we're still looking at the c/s as our only viable delivery plan. On my FMLA paperwork, my OB made it clear that if I were to have a c/s, I would be out of commission for 8 weeks. My maternity leave is 6 weeks paid, 6 weeks unpaid. I can take the full 12 weeks for recovery/bonding time, but as it looks now, we may not be able to afford it. I asked my HR rep if I did only take the paid portion of my mat. leave, would I be able to extend it to 8 weeks. She said no. I'm curious, though, because everyone I've spoken to has said that that doesn't sound right. Does anyone have experience negotiating this with their employer? It seems to me that, as a medical procedure that takes time to recover from, I would be afforded a little more time. Not even in terms of maternity leave, but in terms of disability or something. Am I off base? I'm not trying to cheat anyone out of money or time, I just want what's fair.
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Re: Question about maternity leave

  • lap21_pallap21_pal
    All my leave is unpaid, so I have no clue.
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  • Lulu0802Lulu0802 member
    My company is the same way.  I don't think it's up to the company, but rather the short-term disability company who provides the benefits.  Our policy clearly states that you get 6 weeks of STD at 67% pay, regardless of delivery method.  And the first two weeks are a waiting period, with no benefits, so really I only get 4 weeks at 67% pay.  Luckily I'll be able to use my sick/vacation time for those first 2 weeks.
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  • Temp23782687501318Temp23782687501318
    If you gave STD coverage, it should kick in after your 6 weeks paid are up.  STD usually requires a week grace period, though, so that might only help you for one week of pay.
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  • vhabvhab
    So maybe I don't understand, you want them to pay you for 8 weeks instead of the typical 6 because you may have to have a c/s?  If that isn't what you are asking then I don't get it.  I would say to smile and take the 6 weeks paid, and the two extra weeks unpaid.  At least you get paid for some of it.  I don't get paid for ANY of my leave.
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  • hjl050308hjl050308 member
    I believe it depends on you STD broker and plan.  At my work, I have 12 weeks of leave through FMLA.  I had a c-section so I am getting 8 weeks of STD from my date of delivery (60% of my pay, 40% from my PTO) and then weeks 9-12 are from my PTO. 
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  • MOHNikkiMOHNikki
    If your policies (directly from work or STD not sure which way you are getting paid) state only 6 weeks paid maternity and 6 weeks unpaid then they are only required to pay the 6 weeks even if your dr says no work for 8 weeks. Sorry
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  • MDBabyMamaMDBabyMama

    imagevhab:
    So maybe I don't understand, you want them to pay you for 8 weeks instead of the typical 6 because you may have to have a c/s?  If that isn't what you are asking then I don't get it.  I would say to smile and take the 6 weeks paid, and the two extra weeks unpaid.  At least you get paid for some of it.  I don't get paid for ANY of my leave.

    I understand where you're coming from, and like I said, I don't want to cheat anyone out of any money or time that isn't coming to me. But if there is an option for me to take more time because of the c/s and get paid for it, I'm going to go for it. It may seem like I'm money-grubbing or selfish, and maybe I am. I'm not proud of begging for money or time. But if I can get some time with the baby and help my family financially at the same time, I'd like to try it. If it turns out that I can only take the 6 weeks, I will smile and be grateful for it. But I don't think there is anything wrong with exploring my options.

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  • erbearerbear member
    I think you'll get 6 weeks paid and 2 weeks unpaid for a c-section. They're not likely to extend your paid leave because it's a C...you're still getting the time off.
    "Hello, babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. At the outside, babies, you've got about a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies. God damn it, you've got to be kind." - Kurt Vonnegut
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  • med2663med2663
    imageMDBabyMama:

    imagevhab:
    So maybe I don't understand, you want them to pay you for 8 weeks instead of the typical 6 because you may have to have a c/s?  If that isn't what you are asking then I don't get it.  I would say to smile and take the 6 weeks paid, and the two extra weeks unpaid.  At least you get paid for some of it.  I don't get paid for ANY of my leave.

    I understand where you're coming from, and like I said, I don't want to cheat anyone out of any money or time that isn't coming to me. But if there is an option for me to take more time because of the c/s and get paid for it, I'm going to go for it. It may seem like I'm money-grubbing or selfish, and maybe I am. I'm not proud of begging for money or time. But if I can get some time with the baby and help my family financially at the same time, I'd like to try it. If it turns out that I can only take the 6 weeks, I will smile and be grateful for it. But I don't think there is anything wrong with exploring my options.

    I think that the issue here is that you sound like you think it's not right/unfair that you won't get 8 weeks paid instead of 6 weeks.  From what you said in the OP, it's a cut and dry issue.  You get 6 weeks paid but can take 2 weeks unpaid.  There's no harm in asking if they'll pay you two more weeks, but your question to the board just seems strange.  You shouldn't expect them to just chip in the extra money because that is not your benefit. 

    If the 6 wks is an employer benefit (STB) and if you have STD insurance, you may be eligible for compensation through that for the additional 2 wks.


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  • flyingflamingoflyingflamingo
    It depends on your disability coverage.  Typically you get 6 weeks for vag delivery and 8 weeks for c/s. I get 6 weeks short term them beyond that it goes to long term for the next 2 weeks.  I also get a total 12 weeks total FMLA from time of delivery.
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  • b15chikb15chik member
    my employer gives 6 weeks paid for natural birth, 8 weeks for cesarian...and then 12 weeks of unpaid if you want to take it. that sounds odd they don't give you anymore recovery time for a c section
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