I will be going on maternity leave in late June/early July depending on when my C/S is scheduled. I have a wonderful relationship with my immediate supervisor as well as the one above her. I work part-time (24 hours/3 days per week) at a medical school on a research study. At the time of delivery, I will have been in this position 2 years.
When I had DS I was not working (started this position when he was 17 months old), therefore, I am a bit clueless as to what all I need to ask, tell her, find out, etc. in terms of giving her information about my maternity leave prior to actually going on it. Like I said, we get along very well and I know that she will work with me in terms of length of leave, etc. However, she doesn't have kids yet, so this is all a bit new to her as well. I told her that I would have some tentative ideas, etc. after winter break so that we will both be well-prepared. In my position, she will be doing my job as well as hers, so I want to do my best to communicate as much as I can.
While I do have a bit of a list started, I can use all the info that you can provide for me. What is important to ask/ get confirmed from employer? Do I have to give a set time-frame/length of maternity leave prior to going out or can that be decided at a later date?
Re: XP: maternity leave discussion/questions
Length of leave really depends on your company's policy. One of the main things to confirm is that you'll have a job when you return (do you qualify for FMLA?). Also, decide if you'll take a little time off before delivery so you'd have a set end date or of you'll work until you deliver.
Im planning to work until I deliver and I'll be taking 11 weeks off. So my employer doesn't know when my last day will be but knows that when I go into labor I'll be out for 11 weeks.
If you don't have a set policy, try to get something in writing from your supervisor. Even though you 2 have a great relationship, what if she unexpectedly gets replaced for some reason?