Maternity Leave -FRUSTRATIONS

Been there. I had to go out on early, unplanned maternity leave at 29 weeks due to early contractions. I ended up being overdue (despite constant daily contractions!) and delivered at 41 weeks. That means I had about 10 days left of FML after my dd was born. I then ended up going on a leave of absence. Though I was full-time before, I ended up going back to work part-time after 8 weeks. I didn't feel that there was too much of a threat to my job given that they couldn't even find anyone to sub for me while I was gone! My employer was incredibly understanding the whole time, just telling me to take care of myself and baby and not worry about work. We also had 2 other women out on maternity leave at the same time so I know it was rather stressful there, but my office is all women so everyone pretty much understands. My hosptial also got ranked as one of the top 100 employers by Working Woman magazine and 60 percent of their work force is female. We also are also third in the nation in delivering babies. It's in their best interest to be a little understanding.

I am a physical therapist whose job requires a lot of standing and occasional heavy lifting, so there was no work at home option for me. Thankfully, I had about 5 years worth of sick leave to burn along with vacation I had been saving. My boss let me spend my paid-time off leave at a slower rate so I ended up being paid a little less but got my check until about 6 weeks post-partum. I also had purchased a short-term disability policy the year before and got some benefits in addition to my salary. Because I got pregnant before the policy took effect, I was only able to get a reduced benefit, but any litle bit helped. I will get full benefits starting after 30 days with my next child. I was also able to defer my student loans until after I went back to work.

Since I am now part-time, I am not going to be working the required amt of hours to qualify for FML next pregnancy. There's a good chance the same contractions thing will happen to me again. I hope my employer will able to be understanding again since I am a good employee with 2 specialities. They also have been flexible with several other women in my office who didn't qualify for FML. We are lucky. My theory is that after having gone through what I did, that if my employer was going to cut my job then $%*! them. I'll get another job. Nothing is worth more than your health or your children. I belive maternity leave/family leave in general is pretty poor in this country, and until the FMLA it was worse. Luckily, my hubby's job is very understanding too about him taking family leave (he works for the Fed. Govt) so we don't feel as much strain as the corporate america folks. I investigated what other countries have (1 year paid leave in Sweden for example) and the US is lagging way behind.

Good luck. I hope everything works out for you. Remember if you end up with a healthy baby that's all that really matters. If you lose your job, was it really a loss anyway? Would you want to work for a place that really didn't care about you or your baby? You can always get another job, not another you or baby. Enjoy your pregnancy, do what your doctor says, lose any guilt, and take leave when you need to.

Jen
mom to Meghan
born 7/13/01

[bnme]

Jen
Thanks for the words or encouragement. I am writing this from my desk at work...just started my 37th week. Next week is my last.....Unless the Dr tells me otherwise at this Saturdays appt (my first internal exam). I have been very lucky that I have had a wonderful pregnancy. I have only suffered with back pain, and mostly at night until recently (though if I weren’t doing, as much I probably wouldn't have had so much at night).

Working hasn't been bad, though sitting all day is not great- I am better when moving. I am a financial analyst at the corporate office of a lrage retail chain, si I am basically at my computer or in meetings all day. What has made it difficult for me is a 2hr each way commute. And the lack of support from my boss. Just yesterday she asked me "When is your last day again??" "What, only 1 more week..when are you due again??". On top of that I am trying my best to make the transition as easy as possible on the coworkers who will be taking over my responsibilities while I am out (no replacements here) and she doesn’t even want to be involved with that (she has too many other things she rather I do---not realizing I won't be here to do them soon. I am sure I will be getting a lot of calls while I am home!!

But you are right your baby and your health are more important than your job. I don't feel much support from my employer as a pregnant woman and know it won't be any better as a new Mom. My plan is to come back to work, but then start looking for a job closer to home, perhaps part-time. I think we can swing it with me making much less money and I rather be at home a much as possible. I work in NYC and finding a "good job" in my field will be difficult in the suburbs, and a part-time job in my field probably impossible. I will likely end up doing something totally unrelated just to get the hours/location I want. My career will definitely be taking a major back seat and I am now totally OK with that and I am sure I will be even more OK with that when the little one arrives!

You are fortunate to have supportive coworkers and I hope they continue to be supportive with your next pregnancy. Thanks again for your supportive words.

OK...I guess I better get back to work....