Obviously every company is different. I didn't need a doctors note. The HR manager here filled out a form for me and I had to sign it. That was all. Be sure to ask your HR.
i didn't need anything from the doctor before or after leave. if i'd had a C-section then i would have needed a doctor's note to return to work, but since i had a vaginal birth i didn't need anything.
Re: FMLA ?
i didn't. ?my work didn't provide me anything - start here:
https://www.edd.ca.gov/disability/disability_insurance.htm
?
this is for CA?