Preparing for maternity leave is a significant career transition that requires careful planning and consideration. Whether you’re expecting your first child or adding to your growing family, taking proactive steps to prepare for your time away from work can help alleviate stress and ensure a smooth transition for both you and your colleagues. Here are some tips to help you navigate this phase of your life and career journey:
1. Understand Your Rights and Benefits
Familiarize yourself with your company’s maternity leave policies and any applicable laws regarding parental leave (i.e. some companies offer 6 weeks paid leave while others can offer more/less; in addition, you might have to work there for a certain time in order to qualify). Also, know how much PTO/sick days you have available to you so you can use those days in case you want to take more time off. Knowing your rights empowers you to make informed decisions about your maternity leave plan and ensures that you receive the support and benefits you are entitled to.
In addition, look into your post-partum benefits and resources available to you. You may need pelvic floor therapy (surprise, no one tells you this!) and may even need treatment regarding mental health. Knowing your benefits (and potential referrals needed) before the baby comes will help you feel more prepared and take things off your plate later (#YourFutureSelfWillThankYou).
Bonus: Look into what your insurance company offers (i.e. under the ACA, insurance companies must cover a breast pump to those pregnant/recently delivered–each pregnancy. They might also offer their own classes and other perks).
2. Plan Financially
Review your financial situation and create a budget to prepare for the financial implications of maternity leave. Consider factors such as reduced income/unpaid leave during your time away, additional expenses related to childbirth and childcare, and any savings or benefits you can leverage. Explore options such as paid parental leave, short-term disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts to help mitigate financial stress during maternity leave. This will also help you determine the date when you need to go back to work.
3. Plan For Your Return
While focusing on preparing for maternity leave, it’s also essential to plan for your return to work. Consider factors such as childcare arrangements, your desired work schedule upon returning, and any adjustments you may need to make to accommodate your new role as a working parent.
FYI, you definitely want to explore daycares or nannies in South Florida as soon as possible as places fill up way in advance!
4. Communicate Your Plan Clearly and Early (As You Can)
Open and transparent communication with your employer is essential when preparing for maternity leave. Schedule a meeting with your boss to share your news, expected due date, and intentions regarding maternity leave. Be clear about your plans for time off, including the duration of your leave and your expected return date. You may also want to discuss any accommodations or flexibility you may need when you return.
When you need to schedule this conversation is entirely up to you. There is no required date by law you need to tell your employer until the 30 days needed to take time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (if your company is covered by FMLA), but providing ample notice allows your employer to make necessary arrangements and ensures a smoother transition during your leave (and instills trust).
FYI, your plan does not need to be perfect or set in stone. There is no set time one needs off (i.e. I was ready to go back after 6 weeks with my first but with my second, I needed 12 weeks to feel ready). Try to balance your return timing that works best for your career (note how I said “your career,” not your employer’s needs/wishes :).
5. Delegate Responsibilities
Identify key tasks and responsibilities in your role and make arrangements to delegate them to colleagues or temporary replacements during your maternity leave (and get approvals of your plan, if needed). Work closely with your team to ensure a smooth transition of duties and provide necessary training or documentation to support those filling in for you. Clear delegation of responsibilities helps maintain productivity and continuity in your absence.
6. Prepare For Your Leave
Take time to organize and prepare your workspace before going on maternity leave. Clean up your desk, file important documents, and ensure that any ongoing projects are well-documented and accessible to your colleagues. Set up out-of-office notifications on your email and voicemail to inform clients and colleagues of your absence and provide alternative points of contact.
7. Set Boundaries and Practice Saying No
Setting boundaries and practicing saying no is essential for maintaining your well-being and preserving your time and energy. While it may feel uncomfortable at first (especially for those overachievers who feel guilty delegating their work), learning to say no respectfully and assertively is a valuable skill that empowers you to prioritize your own needs and commitments. Remember that saying no doesn’t mean you’re being selfish or lazy; it means you’re respecting your limits and ensuring that you can effectively balance your responsibilities without becoming overwhelmed.
Plus it will be great practice when the baby comes (Can I touch your baby? No! Can I come over? No!)
8. Be Flexible & Lower Your Expectations
There is a lot of planning when expecting a new baby but the biggest tip I could have is to be flexible. Things change, babies come early, your body doesn’t do what you want it to do, and you need to be OK with it. You may be used to doing 20 things at once but when you’re pregnant/have a new baby, you’re lucky if you get to do 2 things at a time!
9. Find Your Mom Tribe
It can feel like you’re going through everything alone but I can promise you that we all have been through it and feel the same way! Go to Miami Mom Collective events, and join local parenting groups or online forums (I’m in a group on Facebook for each one of my kids’ due dates (i.e. July 2024 Babies).
10. Take Care of Yourself
Amidst the preparations for maternity leave, don’t forget to prioritize self-care and well-being. Pregnancy and childbirth are physically and emotionally demanding experiences, so listen to your body, make time to rest, relax, and attend to your own needs.
Also, become familiar with Postpartum Depression (PPD)/Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) and know the resources you have available to you. PPD/PPA are common and treatable conditions that affect many new moms. By familiarizing yourself with the symptoms and risk factors of PPD/PPA and knowing the resources available to you, such as support groups, therapy, or medication, you can proactively seek help if needed.
Remember, reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and prioritizing your mental health is essential for your well-being and the well-being of your family. You are not alone, and there is no shame in asking for help when you need it. (Personal note, I was fine with my first but I needed help with my second. Things can change and I wish I got help sooner).
Conclusion
Preparing for maternity leave is an important aspect of parenthood and a significant career transition for working mothers. By following the above tips, you can navigate this transition with confidence and peace of mind. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW BUNDLE OF JOY!
