Maternity Leave

Per FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act), you are able to take up to 12 weeks unpaid leave. I found this article on the web and thought it was interesting. http://www.workoptions.com/flexmatlv.htm

I would say 6-8 weeks is average.

FMLA only applies to companies with more than 50 empoloyees so I don't know if you qualify for up to 12 weeks.

I would talk to your employer sometime between 20-25 weeks to discuss your options.

Congratulations and good luck!

I would talk to them as soon as you can, I would ask for a minimum of 6-8 weeks...they may still allow you to take the 12 weeks that the family leave act allows, the small company I worked for when I was pregnant with my daughter allowed me to take up to 12 weeks even though they didn't have too.

There's a couple exceptions to when the FMLA applies, and from the details of your post those might be important exceptions.

If your employer is non-profit or if they employ fewer than 50 people total, I don't think they are required to comply with FMLA. Also, you only become eligible for FMLA after you've worked for an employer for 12 months.

However, if you are eligible for sick leave or disability leave, you can probably get a doctor to vouch for 6 weeks of disability after a natural childbirth or 8 weeks after a C-section. (If you have short-term disability coverage, then you can be eligible for some pay during that period.)

Even if your employer is not required by FMLA to give you more, it's probably worth asking if you want to extend your leave further. But I've certainly heard of cases where small employers will only grant 6-8 weeks.

I'm not sure what kind of job you do, but instead of maternity leave, I worked up to the day I gave birth, and then transitioned to working from home - and it's been a blessing for the past 2 years. Just another alternative to check into.

Congrats - I just had my daughter in december... you are allowed 6 weeks minimum - but up to 12 weeks with FMLA - your employer is not required to pay you during any of that time - but if you have a maternity program - thats great.. best of luck

6 weeks for v** and 8 weeks for csection. Also, I believe if you look online if you wish to take more time to bond they have to give it to you as well.

You might be able to get more time if you work from home after your first six weeks. You are entitled to 6 weeks by law. I have friends who have gotten more by either working from home for a short time, or job sharing. If you want to go back part-time, whoever job shares with you can work full-time while you're gone. It depends on what you want and what your company is open to.

Maternity leave is usually 6 weeks - unless there are complications. You should probably talk to your boss as soon as possible so you don't put him in a bind.

I would first figure how many weeks you get paid? I was off with my daughter six weeks paid, then I had two weeks vacation built up. For me eight weeks was plenty (though I never went back to work and decided to stay home). I would say it is your families comfort level if you take more time off and can afford to go without the pay. Most women I know have taken six to eight weeks off. I would bring the topic up as soon as you are past your first trimester and make sure everything is in writing since it is a smaller company. Since you just started however I would make sure you hear what they need from you too. Congrats!

CS
I would talk to the owner asap!
Find out what thier policy is on maternity leave.
Small businesses can be exept from the FMLA.
Best wishes to you and new baby.
Heidi

Try to get a feel for whether or not they are family-friendly. If they are, go for as much as they will allow and as much as you can afford. You'll never have this time with this child again.

Good luck!

1. Does your job have an employee handbook? If it does, there may be guidelines in it explaining what to do in this situation.
2. There is a federal law, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, which details when to tell, what to tell, and how long a maternity leave you can take.

Maternity leave is one area covered by FMLA. (Family Medical Leave Act) You may want to look into that to see the restrictions/requirements.

Generally, 6 weeks is standard for normal delivery and 8 weeks for C-section. If you want more, you should come to an understanding with your employeer sooner than later.

Under FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act)you are legally entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. Do you have an HR Department that you can ask about benefits? You may be able to take some of that time off with pay if the benefits allow it. If they already know that you are pregnant, I would ask about it now, rather than later.

I believe by law you are eligible for 6 weeks under FMLA.