Working women who get pregnant want to be able to take time off for maternity leave but still get back into the work scene at the end of it. For many pregnant women, knowing their maternity benefits and planning a maternity leave can be a stressful part of pregnancy. With careful planning and utilizing time well, maternity leave can be an enjoyable time to bond with the baby and transition into motherhood.
Know About Maternity Benefits
Because of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, it is now illegal for an employer to discriminate against or fire someone for having a baby. The Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 ensures that any company, if it has 50 or more employees, must grant up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for caring for a new baby or adopted child. It also means that anyone who utilizes this leave will have a job when she returns from leave. Expectant mothers should find out their company policy on maternity leave and work out any issues that arise before the baby is born.
Enjoy Time Off
Since time off from work is limited, it’s important to enjoy and make full use of all pregnancy leave. When possible, take as much maternity leave as allowed, as this gives time to bond with the baby and allows the body to heal from labor and delivery.
Maternity leave is a time for developing a loving relationship with the new baby, and it is also a time to settle in and adjust to all the changes that come with having a baby in the house. If breastfeeding is a goal, pregnancy leave is the perfect time to make sure that breastfeeding gets off to a good start.
Don't Stress About the Future
A newborn baby changes everything. The first few weeks of a baby’s life can be difficult for the parents as they learn to feed and care for a baby all while running on very little sleep. New moms have enough to worry about without thinking about returning to work and wondering how the baby will react to it. Take each day as it comes. Planning ahead is helpful, but worrying about it isn’t.
Introduce a Bottle
For the working mom who breastfeeds, introducing a bottle becomes an issue at some point. When breastfeeding, it is advisable to delay the introduction of bottles for at least the first three weeks in order to avoid nipple confusion. At least a couple of weeks before returning to work, parents should introduce a bottle. If the baby doesn’t take to bottles right away, there’s no need to worry; it will eventually happen.
Transition Back to Work
Returning to work can feel like a vacation after the tiring work of caring for a newborn, but returning to work also presents new challenges. To make the transition easier, it’s important to plan ahead. During maternity leave, plan for childcare. A week before returning to work, parents can try a trial run with the daycare facility.
If breastfeeding will be part of the plan, collect pumping equipment and begin pumping on a regular basis. It’s also important to figure out where to use the breast pump after returning to work. For those who have a private office, pumping isn’t as difficult, but others may have to get creative.
For many, maternity leave is a wonderful time of bonding with baby and settling into the rhythm of life with a newborn. It is also a time for arranging the details of returning to work. As long as there is a plan in place, maternity leave can be a memorable and priceless experience.
Holli Jo Ronquillo - Holli Jo Ronquillo is a freelance writer and editor who has been writing professionally for several years. Her work has appeared in The ...
Join the Conversation