Amount of Time at a New Job Before Maternity Leave

To preface, I started a new job on March 1st. Its a startup company, so its really small right now and I am a very integral part of getting the company started. That being said, I put off monitored medicated TTC cycles (which so far has been the only way to get me to O) for a bit. However had I gotten pregnant last cycle (I actually had a chemical) I would have gone on maternity almost exactly 9 months from my start date. I was thinking if I waited til I was at the job for 3 months, then if I get a BFP I wont go on maternity leave until I am at least there over a year. I don't know what the rules are on maternity leave and small companies and it's not something I want to bring up just yet. I do have disability - both short and long term.

Obviously this poll is an "in an ideal world" question - as in, you actually get pregnant when you want to, and you leave for maternity leave as scheduled (no bed rest or anything out of the ordinary).

Anyway I'm just wondering what everyone else thinks is appropriate.

**ETA - Also if you wouldnt mind posting I would love to hear peoples opinions on TTC in regards to the question. As in - since we DON'T live in a perfect world and we don't all get pregnant on the first try - how would you handle TTC in regards to this. Would you stop altogether (we haven't stopped but since I don't O without meds, it would pretty much be a miracle to get a BFP), or would you continue to TTC?

We have been "trying" for 10 months, but I have only had 6 cycles during that time - and only confirmed O about twice...With that info in mind - what do you think?? (Can you tell I am already antsy to get started again!! )..But seriously I really want real opinions. TIA!!

Message edited 3/18/2010 4:16:51 PM.

Re: Amount of Time at a New Job Before Maternity Leave

I was in a similar situation. I started a new job in September 08. DH and i wanted to start TTC'ing at that point but when i asked my HR person about maternity leave, i found out that the company only fully covers you if you've been at the job for a year when you would go out on maternity leave.
So DH and put TTC'ing on hold for 3 months just in case we got pregnant on the first try.

Fast forward to now and 15 months of trying and we're nowhere. Looking back, i obviously wish we did not wait.. but if I had gotten pregnant on that first month, i would've only gotten about 80% of my pay and that would not have been good for us.

I think if there's any way for you to find out your company's policy on it, let that help guide you on your decision. Also, in your situation given that you are facing more challenges in the TTC department, i personally wouldn't put it on hold for the job.

If you do get pregnant, you're still around for the next 9 months, and are giving them enough time/notice to bring someone in to cover for you if need be when you're gone.

hope that helps a little..
good luck

Re: Amount of Time at a New Job Before Maternity Leave

Before starting TTC I'd tell you to wait. Now, after being on this board for six cycles, I'd tell you to go for it. You have no idea when it's going to happen, but these things have a way of working out. Good luck, whatever you decide!

Re: Amount of Time at a New Job Before Maternity Leave

I would continue TTC. Have you tried Vitex? It is a herbal supplement that helps you O. It worked for me... I tried for 15 months to get pregnant with #1, and the first month I took vitex I O'ed on cd14 and got pregnant. Look it up!

I also work at a start-up and am due with twins 11 months after my start date. Life happens!

Re: Amount of Time at a New Job Before Maternity Leave

same thing happened to me!!!! I waited til this month (3 months after start date) to start.....i didn't O this month now i regret waiting!

Re: Amount of Time at a New Job Before Maternity Leave

thanks to those of you that replied!!

technically DH and I aren't on hold - Im just on a hardcore medicated monitoring cycle hold. I am trying metformin this cycle without other meds - and I am that it can help regulate my cycles, since I have read many success stories of it doing just that. I am still charting and everything to so if in the off chance I do O - i will most likely be very aware and do plan to BD!! But obviously the chances of me Oing on my own aren't great, so if a few more weeks go by and nothing happens I'll prob go to the RE and get provera and start over...... At that point i would have to decide whether to wait it out some more for the met to work (it sometimes takes 3 months or so) or go forward with injectables and femara again since I know that works.

Anyway as far as the company policy on maternity - im not sure there is one. There are only four people working for the company right now and two of them are the owners. Plus they are all men. I guess I can contact the outside HR firm - since they handle all HR concerns - like payroll and benefits and what not. But i am kinda nervous about that. What do you guys think?

Re: Amount of Time at a New Job Before Maternity Leave

Honestly, if it were me... I would continue TTC. In a perfect world I would have a house before having a baby...but DH and I are ready to have one so we are currently TTC anyway. I got off BC in Oct and seriously I thought I would have been preggo by now...but Im not. It's def. taking long than expected. Having a family is something that we really want right now and don't want to wait- because you never know when it could happen.

We'll never be fully prepared or have enough money... Im ready to roll with the punches LOL!!

I would keep TTC Good luck to you!!!

Re: Amount of Time at a New Job Before Maternity Leave

Re: Amount of Time at a New Job Before Maternity Leave

Re: Amount of Time at a New Job Before Maternity Leave

I won't put my life on hold for a job. If you want to have a child and you know there is a possibility that it could take a while because of your ovulation, then you need to do what you need to do. I wouldn't personally wait but I am older and impatient. LOL

Re: Amount of Time at a New Job Before Maternity Leave

I started my new job on July 15, 2009. Got my BFP in August, got edd is April 3rd, which means I pretty mush got preggo right before I started my job. We weren't actually "trying", more like "seeing what happens". Went off BCP in March and thought it would take a while bc I has PCOS...well, it didn't take long! At the beginning I was upset, because my compnay has a great maternity leave policy- 12 weeks FULLY PAID, but only if you've been here a year. Since I'll only be here 9 months, I get NOTHING. Except std through the state and my job will be wiaitng when I get back after 6 weeks (vbirth) or 8 weeks (csection).

It $ucks, but I'm a firm believer in "Everything happens for a reason". We took these past 9 months to payoff bills and save and we should be fine with me being out of work for 2 months.

Obv it's your decison to wait or not, but I just wanted to share my story.

good luck!!!

Re: Amount of Time at a New Job Before Maternity Leave

Re: Amount of Time at a New Job Before Maternity Leave

we are not TTC yet - partly because I am new at my job and new at my career (both just over 6 months) + other reasons as well. I'd like to get some experience first and get a little more established in my career before we have children.

My job allows employees to request part-time/flex schedules after you've been working two years. I think we'd still want to wait longer than that anyway, but it's something to keep in mind