Maternity Leave

I figured this would be the best place to post. The company for which I work does NOT fall under FMLA guidelines. (Not enough employees)

From the moment I found out I was PG back in December I knew that the delivery would be by c section and that the Dr would recommend 8 weeks off work after delivery. My understanding of the standard is 6 weeks for a vaginal delivery and 8 weeks for a c section. Anything longer would be due to complications. I always told my managers 8 weeks. I even listed 8 weeks in an e-mail when I was asking HR about my vacation benefits. No one ever said anything...until a phone call I received this afternoon informing me that I only have 6 weeks.

Has anyone else come up against this? I know that if I NEEDED to, the Dr would write any release I need. She has said 8 weeks more than once and even looked at me funny when I mentioned before that I was thinking about returning part time earlier than that. Pregnancy, c section, pre e, and continued complications due to pre e. I don't want to fight if there isn't any reason to. On the other hand I would really like to not have any issues. I work in a VERY small department and my co workers haven't even been able to take full lunches (credit union...if there are members they have to be helped) so I had been wanting to go back about 8 hours a week to help cover lunches while getting me out of the house a little but and still having one on one time with my new daughter.

My biggest issue is why on earth couldn't they have said something sooner? I will say this. If I have to go back at 6 weeks, I can't see where it would be worth it to return early part time. Ugh!

Hopefully I will know more tomorrow.

I guess it't not really a question, but was wondering if anyone else has experienced this.

 

yup - the 8 week c-section standard has apparently gone the way of the dodo bird...my employer (who DOES fall under FMLA) only gives 6 weeks (paid from short term disability) after the birth of a child regardless of the way out...however if there are complications (my tummy didn't close so I actually got 10 of my 12 weeks paid for since medically I couldn't return to work) then they have to continue to pay out of STD as long as the doc certifies necessary...

I'd have your doc tell them you can't return yet due to complications - which it appears to sound like you are still having...

 

I would check the state guidelines as well.

My company paid for 6 weeks if vaginal and 8 weeks if c/s. After that, I had unpaid leave up to FMLA or State guidelines. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts allows 8 weeks off (doesn't have to be paid) per child, so with the twins, I got 16 weeks total off after their birth.

I think 6 weeks is too soon after a c/s to go back.

 

Check with your state laws? Sometimes they differ from what FMLA would be (I know you aren't eligible for FMLA). For example, in OH, you can get 6 weeks vag and 8 weeks c/s even if you don't qualify for FMLA. So, check into your state laws on pregnancy discrimination.

I hope you get something worked out soon.

 

I have heard as well that a lot of places are now doing six weeks for both vaginal and c-section. It's becoming the way of the norm. I was fortunate that my company still does 8 weeks and an additional 4 weeks of bonding time so I had 12 weeks fully paid before I would even have to tap into vacation. But, that's highly unusual. I'm sorry you have to deal with this. Good luck.

 

I cant believe you only get 8 weeks off after you have your babies! I dont think i would have coped going back that soon. I do not think that is right at all. We get 9 months off here, its 12 weeks full pay 9 weeks half pay and then statutory pay (which is around £100 a week)

 

I would talk to your Dr AND look into local laws.

The Dr can write a release if you are not 'ready' at 6 weeks. (FWIW I was still mildly bleeding at 10 weeks & my incision was not healed completely).

Local laws may differ- and may require 8 or more if you had a complicated delivery.

6 weeks is not enough time- esp. w/ an early baby and complications!

 

I hope that you can work it all out! I would hate to go back after only 6 weeks.


I also want to say that I am amazed at how many companies pay for maternity leave. That's awesome! Do dads get paid time off also?

 

I would definitely look into your states short term disability laws. Regardless of FMLA short term disability covers maternity leave. Last I checked it was 8 weeks for c-section and 6 weeks for vaginal birth.

Hope you get this all worked out.

 

I have no idea about the laws but I can't believe they just told you this now. That leaves you what, 2 weeks!

 

That's what bothered me the most was just finding out. This has been in the works since Dec.

Apparently I can stay out longer if I submit a Dr's note. However I was going to go back part time this week to help cover lunch hours twice a week, but instead I will just skip the part time thing and I will go back full time on the 17th.


Louise, yes. I think the US has one of the worst provisions for maternity/family leave that anyone can find. That is something that does really need to change. Longer protected leave and even partial pay while on leave would help sooooo many families. I was able to make it though this time, but when I had the twins we had to go on food stamps and assistance just to make it while I was off work. To make matters worse, they treat you like scum when you go in there.

 

Over here dads get 2 weeks fully paid paternity pay too x