The cost of maternity leave- what have you all tried?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi! My husband and I are looking to start our family soon. I'm very concerned about the time I will be off for maternity leave, as I will not have any paid leave.

I've heard about some people getting AFLAC disability plans which pay you for time off. Granted, it does not pay 100% of what income usually is, but every little bit helps. I work 3 eight-hour days a week, so I am not sure if this is a roadblock- maybe you have to be full-time?

I know there is a 9 month rule, that states you cannot give birth within 9 mos, thus not being pregnant when applying. So, it's safe to say I can't get pregnant until after the plan has been in effect for a month or so if I want the coverage.

WE WOULD CONCEIVE TONIGHT if it weren't for this finance thing! But, we are being smart about it and exploring the options. I CANNOT wait any longer- I am 32 years old and we ARE READY! :)

So, if anyone has had the AFLAC plans, or any other genius financial advice- I would GREATLY appreciate it! We're VERY EAGER!

Thanks!

:dncgbby:

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Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

Does your employer offer short-term disability insurance? Mine covered 60% of my salary until my son was 6 weeks old. I used our tax return and some overtime money hoarded away to cover the last 6 weeks. It was tight, but we managed. Another thing I did that helped was to have 25% of my net pay put directly into savings. It got us used to living on less and allowed us to stockpile some money away. I did have to tap into it here and there when things cropped up, but it really did wind-up adding up.

One other thing of importance that I had to learn the hard way: don't forget to save two weeks pay in addition to the time you will be off. Waiting for that first paycheck without two nickels to rub together was the pits.

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Specializes in L&D,Wound Care, SNC.

I had short term disability insurance which helped but I did not realize that you don't receive the money until your maternity leave is almost over. It only covered 60% of 6 weeks pay for an uncomplicated lady partsl delivery.

I also had about 1 month worth of PTO saved up and we had put away about 2 months pay during my pregnancy. It was tight but we managed.

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IMO- if you really want to have children, don't get hung up on money. If you are waiting to have enough money, or always be in a better position: it may never happen. You may never feel adequately prepared, financially or otherwise. Truthfully, no one really is.

Best wishes to you on this journey!

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Specializes in RN- Med/surg.

Start putting money away now...every paycheck save some. Then you'll have some while you're on leave.

Don't rely on Short term disability unless you look into it first. I was told pregnancy was a "self inflicted disablity" and was not eligable. (though I WAS covered for the extended portion due to complications)

I agree don't wait until you can afford it..but I think you are being wise in planning. Just don't let it dictate your plans.

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If your husband gets a good deal on benefits, consider getting covered under his plan and going per diem. Put aside a good portion of your earnings into savings to cover you when you take time off. Per diem makes scheduling easier for parents too.

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One thing I did while I was pregnant to help with the financial load was pay more on my utilities. I ended up having enough to cover the bills while I was out of work and it was one less thing to worry about. At the time, my disability coverage only covered 50% of my pay. We also opened a savings account with our credit union and put stipulations on it, like not being able to withdrawal through ATM, etc. It helped us to manage our savings better. Keep in mind at the time I got pregnant I was only 20 and still learning how to save and manage money. My husband and I had to find unique ways to make sure we wouldn't drown without my full income. My sister has the AFLAC insurance but not for disability. Her husband had it through his work and they received a certain $ amount for the time in the hospital. She was on bed rest and they received somewhere between $70 and $100 a day for each day she was in the hospital through the day she was released after my niece was born.

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

Is it because you're part-time that you don't have any PTO (paid time off)? Or have you changed jobs recently enough that you haven't built up your bank of PTO time?

Best wishes to you & your family.

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I work part-time, just 3 days a week, so I don't really have any benefits, just good hourly wage. I get great medical benefits from my hubby's company.

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I'm not really relying on short term disability to get me through time off. I just figure it's extra that I otherwise would not have since I will be off during that time without pay. Again, it's just planning ahead, and if this extra cash opportunity is out there, I think I will be thankful I put money toward the plan and actually making money off of it vs. none at all. I'm just not sure of how it all works. Who wouldn't turn down some extra help while you are off enjoying your new bundle :)

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