How to Ask for Maternity Leave
Gearing up for maternity leave can be a tough business, especially if it's your first baby.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Pay attention to how other women at your company handle maternity leave; ask people you trust for strategic advice.
-
2
Read your company's personnel handbook for official company policies. Talk to the human resources representative, if your company has one.
-
-
3
Learn about state and federal disability and maternity leave policies.
-
4
Think through your ideal: How long will your leave be? Do you want to come back part-time at first? Work from home? Modify your job responsibilities or hours?
-
5
Sick, vacation and personal days, disability and paid and unpaid time can be part of your leave; develop a clear and thorough proposal.
-
6
Wait to talk to your boss until your pregnancy is well-established - but tell before you're obviously showing.
-
7
Consider your boss's possible reaction and think through how to respond to any questions and concerns. Have suggested solutions ready for any problems or challenges your absence might cause.
-
8
Negotiate for the length and type of leave you want.
-
9
Give your boss and co-workers time to adjust to the idea of your absence.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If your company has more than 15 employees, you can't be fired for being pregnant.
The Family Medical Leave Act, a federal law passed in 1993, guarantees both men and women 12 weeks of unpaid leave (with the same or a similar job waiting for them when they return) to care for a new baby. This law applies to public agencies as well as private-sector commerce-related employers of 50 people or more.
