Maternity leave question

I really want to take 16 weeks instead of 12. I am going to have to put baby in daycare at least part time and would feel better doing it at 4 months instead of 3. I have not yet talked to my HR dept so I am not sure what I am allowed to do- I am pretty sure this is allowed, I know some of it will be unpaid.

I am afraid that I am going to make everybody at work mad and I am afraid they will give away my position. (I know they have to give me a job, but I want MY job).

My mother thinks I should wait until I am home for a while, then tell them I want another month, but I kind of think I should tell my boss now?
What do you think?

Re: Maternity leave question

I am in the same position as you. I am a teacher and this past year 5 girls gave birth and all were back within three months. I am not planning on doing this, but my principal has not asked me. I am going to leave in November and then when I am on leave, I am going to go in and tell them that I will be out for an extra few months. I am thinking of staying out the rest of the year. Good luck in what ever you decided to do.

I just feel if I tell her from the beginning I am not returning after 12 weeks, she will get upset with me.

Re: Maternity leave question

They are only required o hold your job for 12 weeks under FMLA, so they could say no. You should speak to your boss about it, I am sure if he is ok with it then HR shouldn't have a problem.

Good luck!

Re: Maternity leave question

I work in HR. You are entitled to up to 12 weeks of FMLA provided that you work in a company with more than 50 employees. I would speak to HR. I'm not sure how many weeks out of those 12 weeks they pay you for (here, it is 6 for reg delivery and 8 for a c-section). Maybe you can supplement after the 12 weeks with vacation, etc. But it seems as if some will be unpaid. Most companies don't have a problem with this if they like you!

Re: Maternity leave question

Some employers under the FMLA give 16 weeks. This is what I am taking 16 weeks FMLA and then I will also use whatever time I have accumulated. Check with your individual office to see what you are entitled to. If you dson't check, they're not going to tell you.

Re: Maternity leave question

Don't forget about vacation time too. I get 12 paid weeks maternity leave, but I'm also planning on taking any vacation time I have. Keep in mind that you should also check whether your vacation time accrues while you're out on maternity leave. I know mine does, but I don't think there's any kind of a law that says it has to.

Re: Maternity leave question

I work in HR so I can shed some more light. Companies with 50 or more employees are only required to give 12 weeks under FMLA. for the first 6 or 8 of those weeks you are considered disabled and collect disability. The remaining 6 or 4 weeks are unpaid. Most companies require that use exhaust all your sick and vacation time during this period and then take unpaid for what ever is left. They do this because they do not want you to take 12 weeks and then another couple of weeks vacation. That said each company is different so you should check with your HR person.

Also, when you are on leave at my co, you stop accruing vacation and sick time. Again each company is different.

Re: Maternity leave question

Re: Maternity leave question

Shes right they have to hold it for 12 weeks, however some companies will hold it for longer!