maternity leave -- how long?

JJFROG · Jan 26, 2006

It's simple. Take as much time off as you possibly can! If you can afford 3 months off take all of it. If you can afford more time off, take it too! All depends on how long they will hold your position. But, if you have to go back in 6 weeks, do not feel gulity about that. Babies are expensive! Congratulations!

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Jan 26, 2006

As long as you possibly can. Easy answer.

mommy2boys · Jan 26, 2006

Try to take off as much time as possible, both before and after. You may want to check into your states disablity insurance. Here in California it isn't much, but at least it is something.

With my first son I had to leave work at 31.5 wks because of pre-term labor. I had him @ 35 wks and went back to work PT after he was 6 wks old. It was hard, but that was all we could afford and at least it was part time. With my 2nd son I had to quit working at 21 wks because of PTL and also had him @ 35 wks. I never went back to work because I'm now a SAHM.

Good luck with the pregnancy and the new baby.

zambezi, BSN, RN · Jan 26, 2006

I am 29 weeks pregnant and plan to work as long as I can. I was unable to get short term disability (and unless you already have it, you probably won't be able to either since you are already pregnant). I have to have a hysterectomy after this baby due to some other issues, so I am taking my three months of leave (under FMLA laws) and then probably another couple of weeks due to lift restrictions after the surgery. I plan to have the hyster at about 10 weeks pp...so I will be out about 4 months. I would talk with you manager earlier rather than later about what you want, if FMLA laws apply for you, you should get three months of leave (upaid) where they will hold your position for you- after than, they are not required by law to keep your positon unfilled (but they might, if you talk with them about it- get it is writing if you agree to a longer term of absence!). You of course, have to look at your own finances too and see what you can afford...good luck with everything!

austin heart, BSN, RN · Jan 26, 2006

I would defiantly check with your HR director. If you are just now starting your job you will not qualify for FMLA when the time comes which means they do not have to hold your position for you. Also check on short term disability benefits some will ccover a percentage of your acctual earned income for up to 4 weeks. Also attempt to figure how much PDO you will have banked by then to help you figure out how long you can be off and be paid. I was fortunate enough to have 7 weeks of PDO saved and ST disability so I really only had to save enough $ to cover the last week of the 12 week leave that was allowed through FMLA.

I was ready to go back part time when the time came. I am lucky that my husband can watch our son while I am work so I do not have to deal with child care right now. I personally would take off as much time that you can.

GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · Jan 26, 2006

I worked up to the end of my pregnancy at 38 weeks. I did not qualify for FMLA. I am still out on maternity leave, so far 13 1/2 weeks. I was going to go back earlier, A LOT EARLIER, but I changed my mind. :rotfl: I don't have any plans on returning yet. :chuckle MAYBE somewhere around 6 months. MAYBE. Luckily, my husband supports my decision and very much agrees with it. The hospital that I work at will take me back since it is always short staffed on nightshift. I got a call after 10 weeks asking me if I wanted some time. Nope. :) Try not to give your employer a definate time on when you will be back if possible. Like I said, I thought I would want to go back sooner. I had no idea how strong the urge would be to want to be with my lil peanut. I would hate to see you comitt and then change your mind and be stuck.

gypsyatheart · Jan 26, 2006

Well, it really all depends on your finances, doesn't it? That's what dictates most people working (and especially working mothers....w/a tiny newborn at home)..... I would say opt for as much time as you possibly can, 3 mos or longer is preferable if you have to go back to work. Maybe you could go back at 4mos part time and see how it goes.....

You're never really prepared for how much attachment and love you feel for your baby once you hold him/her, it is almost inconceivable to think about leaving your baby in someone else's care....

Good luck!

mom23RN · Jan 26, 2006

Hello,
I'm about to start a new nursing job, and I'm 4 months pregnant. I have no idea how long of a maternity leave I should take because this is my first baby so I don't know what to expect. How long should I ask for? I know I don't want to put a little 6-week-old baby into daycare, and my friend said she didn't even start to feel human again until 10 weeks. Any advice?
Thanks!
amy :)

I'm going on 5 years now!!!! (well that IS unpaid leave!!!) :imbar

When I first had my daughter I was going to take the family medical leave of 3 months but since you have just started you may not be eligible for that yet.

Enjoy!!!!

SharonH, RN · Jan 26, 2006

When I had both of my children, I quit my full-time job and worked prn. I did not return until either one of them were 3 months old and even then I only worked a couple of shifts a week and then I picked up as they were older. I did not even consider full-time until either one of them were at least a year old; it was easier for me and the higher rate of pay made it easier to reduce hours. Is it possible for you to work prn at all?

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 27, 2006

After the birth of my daughter, 6 years ago, I went PRN. Never looked back.

nursemelani · Jan 27, 2006

You won't sleep through the night for at least 3 months, so that should be the minimum. Then go back part-time if you can afford not to work full-time. I went back when my son was 4 months old, but I just worked weekends, so that my husband could watch him. He didn't have to go to daycare until he was two and a half.

I was very lucky. I have a friend who had to go back when her daughter was 8 weeks and the baby wouldn't take a bottle. ( only wanted a breast)

My poor friend was in tears at work, as her husband kept calling, saying "She still won't take the bottle" After about 6 hours, she got hungry enough to take the bottle, but HOW AWFUL !!