maternity leave

[coffeeandvendingmachines, BSN]

I apologize if this is in the wrong category. 

I am naive here but, what do you as nurses do while on maternity leave for financial support? My company just created a new policy about a year ago where we have to now use up our accrued PTO. At the time I had enough accrued for probably several months off. My husband and I are not actively trying to get pregnant but almost there. Now that I have to use up my PTO or lose it, I will no longer have a "paycheck bank" to cover maternity leave. I am so frustrated and lost because, I am the main provider of the family and make more than my husband. We can't currently afford to live on his income alone. I was just curious what others have done to make this work. I see coworkers getting pregnant all the time. Please forgive the naivety. I am new to this process. 

Thank you!

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

You save up and (highly recommend) short-term disability insurance. IF your company offers a cash-out options for your excess PTO- that could be added to savings. 

[Sour Lemon]

1 hour ago, coffeeandvendingmachines said:

I apologize if this is in the wrong category. 

I am naive here but, what do you as nurses do while on maternity leave for financial support? My company just created a new policy about a year ago where we have to now use up our accrued PTO. At the time I had enough accrued for probably several months off. My husband and I are not actively trying to get pregnant but almost there. Now that I have to use up my PTO or lose it, I will no longer have a "paycheck bank" to cover maternity leave. I am so frustrated and lost because, I am the main provider of the family and make more than my husband. We can't currently afford to live on his income alone. I was just curious what others have done to make this work. I see coworkers getting pregnant all the time. Please forgive the naivety. I am new to this process. 

Thank you!

What's available to you may be dependent on where you're located. In California, I went on short term disability that paid $1000 a week tax free. There was paid baby-bonding time, as well (same rate). I got PTO from my employer, but that just covered my insurance if I remember correctly.

Your husband may have to step it up and work more hours if his hourly wage doesn't support the family. Kids are even more expensive once they actually arrive. Cutting expenses is also possible for most people. We all have a lot more than we need.