follow-up: how does this email sound to my boss.

dmsmth · May 2009

I took into consideration what everybody said an reworked my email. Now how does it sound??

I have spoken with my doctor regarding a note indicating how long I will need to be off after giving birth. He said that standard time is 6 weeks for a vaginal delivery and 8 weeks for a c-section. However, that is standard and does not include any unforeseen complications that arise. Due to this, he can write a note saying the above, but know that things may change and a new letter may be written at the last minute. If you have any questions regarding the standard time off, please feel free to contact my doctor at 314-xxx-xxxx (Dr M).

That being said, I would like to be approved for 12 weeks to ensure Kaylin is healthy and adjusted enough to start at a daycare facility. Between my vacation/sick days and Aflac I have between 8 and 10 weeks of paid time off, the remaining 2 to 4 weeks I would like to take unpaid.

If you would like to sit down and discuss this further, please let me know. I would like to get this finalized as soon as possible so I can plan accordingly.

ENev · May 2009

I think that sounds much better.

gallerygirl · May 2009

Very good and reasonable! I think this is a much better email.

mb72105 · May 2009

Much better!!

ArcticFox · May 2009

I didn't read your prior posts but I will tell you my experience.

I got 6-12 weeks off (unpaid) from work but with FMLA for at least most of it (I don't remember). Anyway work was pushing for 6 and I said, ok, well I'm starting with 12 and if I want to come back earlier I will. But I was not ok with comitting to just 6 - I wanted to bond with my baby and stay home and adjust and all that.

Turns out I ended up with a 4th degree tear and a colicky baby and I didn't like my employer's attitude (like I was always working late - even on my last day before maternity leave, I worked 12 hours instead of 8 - really p!ssed me off). Anyway I actually decided not to return, because I couldn't even function - pain, and up a good chunk of the night. How could I work 12 hours days, not see my baby, not have time to pump at work, and deal with the pain of my tear, all while being totally exhausted from being up all night?

I just don't think it's realistic for any boss or employee to "bank" on going back at 6 weeks! So good luck!