Maternity Leave - What You Need to Know

It is important for moms and dads to know the facts about maternity leave and to know your rights in the USA.

I know two women here in the United States where I live, who recently found out they were pregnant. Both have claimed for years, they did not want children. After the initial baby blues, these mommies to be are tickled pink! One of the ladies will be 39 by the time her child is born. Luckily, she has been with the same employer for over a decade. This dedication has earned twelve weeks paid maternity leave. The younger expectant Mom only qualifies for the standard six weeks off work. This is not a lot of time- to give birth, recuperate, and bond with your newborn.

What if the pregnancy becomes difficult in the final trimester? Sometimes your gynecologist will prescribe bed rest for women who are experiencing complications. You may need to stay off your feet for weeks before delivery. Someone told me of a new mother who was harassed by her boss to return to work early when her son was only five weeks old. Mothers do not deserve the additional pressure of worrying over job security, while trying to take care of their growing family. A woman should not have to put their health at risk, working right up to the due date.

We cannot leave fathers out of the excitement. After they receive the news of becoming a Dad, there are other important events to share. They are needed at doctor visits and naturally at the hospital when the baby is born. Employers in the United States frown enough on mothers expecting maternity leave. It is practically unheard of for the father to expect time off work. Parents to be require an adjustment period to this new life that will change their lives forever. Dads are expected to take the bare minimum off their normal schedule. This does not take into account, the outcome of a premature or ill baby.

In America, only one in seven workers receives paid leave for childbirth. The wealthiest nation in the world puts maternity leave at the bottom of the family values list. The business outlook in the USA is not looking out for the parents of this country. Instead, we are made to feel guilty of leaving our workplace in an awkward position. Added insecurity of our jobs being in jeopardy, does not lead to a healthy environment. Keeping our families and employment in check requires juggling financial demands and bouncing babies.

You may find uncaring management at fault, although most maternity leave policies are not dictated at the office level but by the US government. It pays you to know your legal rights. The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, states that you are allowed at least 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, if your company employs more than 50 people. You must have been employed full-time for at least a consecutive year to be eligible.

Maternity leave rights guarantee a job will be waiting your arrival back to work. Your employer is not legally bound to hold the exact position you left. Your pay is guaranteed to stay the same or better when you return. It is a violation of the Law, if you are told your job no longer exists after taking maternity leave. Congratulations on your new bundle of joy. Finding balance between home and income is a labor of love.