How to Ask for Maternity Leave

Gearing up for maternity leave can be a tough business, especially if it's your first baby.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pregnancy Magazine
• Pregnancy Workout Video

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.

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.