How to Prepare for Maternity Leave

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Maternity leave.

It’s the magical time when you’re supposed to rest, bond with your baby, and recover from birth… but first, you have to figure out how to actually get it.

And if you’re in the U.S., let’s be real—navigating maternity leave can feel like you’re trying to solve a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an HR handbook written by someone who has never been pregnant.

But don’t worry, mama.

We’re going to break it down step by step so you can plan, prepare, and actually enjoy your leave without stress.

And here’s the best part—there’s an amazing thread in our Facebook group where women in every U.S. state are sharing resources they didn’t even know they had.

So if you haven’t joined the group yet, do it now!

Then, search for “maternity leave” to find real moms, real solutions, and a space to vent when the system makes you want to scream.

Alright, let’s get into it.

Step 1: Figure Out What You’re Entitled To (And What You’ll Actually Get)

First things first—you need to know your rights.

Maternity leave in the U.S. is a mix of employer policies, state laws, short-term disability, and federal protections.

Here’s a breakdown of what might apply to you:

• FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) – This gives you up to 12 weeks of unpaid job-protected leave, but only if you’ve worked at your company for at least a year, your company has 50+ employees, and you’ve logged 1,250 hours in the past 12 months.

• State-Specific Paid Leave – Some states (like California, New York, and New Jersey) actually offer paid family leave. If you live in one of these states, congrats—check your state website to see what you qualify for.

• Short-Term Disability (STD) – Some employers offer short-term disability insurance, which can replace a portion of your paycheck for 6-8 weeks postpartum (longer if you had complications or a C-section).

• Employer-Specific Policies – Some companies offer paid maternity leave, but the amount varies wildly. HR might not advertise it well, so ask directly about what’s available.

• PTO & Sick Days – Some moms stack vacation days, sick leave, or personal time to extend their paid leave.

Step one? Talk to HR, research your state benefits, and figure out what your options actually look like.

Step 2: Create a Maternity Leave Plan (So Your Boss Won’t Panic)

Once you know what you’re eligible for, it’s time to put together a solid leave plan.

Here’s what to include:

• Your Planned Start Date – Many women start leave 1-2 weeks before their due date, but some work up until labor (you do you, mama).

• Your Expected Return Date – Be clear about how long you’re taking, even if it’s unpaid.

• A Transition Plan for Your Workload – List tasks you handle and who will cover them while you’re out. Bonus points if you create a cheat sheet with passwords, key contacts, and project updates.

• A Plan for Staying (or Not Staying) in Touch – Will you check in occasionally? Or are you 100% unplugging until you return? Make this clear to your team.

Pro tip: Put this in writing before meeting with your boss. It shows you’re organized and makes it easier to negotiate if needed.

Step 3: Budget for Maternity Leave (Because Bills Don’t Take a Break)

If part (or all) of your leave is unpaid, now is the time to start saving.

Here’s how to prepare financially:

• Estimate Your Income During Leave – Add up any paid benefits, savings, or PTO you’ll be using.

• Cut Unnecessary Expenses – Now is a great time to pause subscriptions, meal prep, and stockpile baby essentials before your paycheck takes a hit.

• Look Into Financial Assistance – Depending on your state, you might qualify for WIC, Medicaid, or childcare assistance when you return to work.

And again—check the Facebook group! So many moms have found grants, state programs, and financial hacks they didn’t know existed.

Step 4: Have a Backup Plan (Because Babies Don’t Care About Schedules)

Babies have their own timeline.

And sometimes, they decide to show up before you planned to start leave.

Make sure you:

• Talk to Your Boss About Early Leave Scenarios – If your baby comes early, will HR adjust your start date? Will short-term disability still apply?

• Prep Your Workplace in Advance – Even if you plan to work up until your due date, start transitioning tasks early so you’re not scrambling if labor comes sooner than expected.

• Stock Up on Essentials Before Baby Arrives – The last thing you want to do at 39 weeks pregnant is rush to Target for diapers.

Planning for the unexpected will make your leave less stressful.

Step 5: Plan Your Return (Even If You Don’t Want to Think About It Yet)

Eventually, you’ll be heading back to work—so make sure you’re prepared.

• If You’re Breastfeeding, Know Your Rights – Under the PUMP Act, employers must provide time and a private space (not a bathroom) to pump.

• Start Thinking About Childcare Early – Daycares fill up fast, and waitlists can be months long. Look into options now.

• Ease Back Into Work If Possible – If your job allows, consider a part-time return or remote days for the first few weeks.

And remember—returning to work is a HUGE adjustment.

The Facebook group is a goldmine of support from moms who’ve been there. If you’re struggling, you don’t have to do it alone.

Final Thoughts: You Can Do This, and You’re Not Alone

Maternity leave in the U.S. is not easy to navigate.

But you deserve this time with your baby.

Start planning early. Ask for what you need. And don’t be afraid to push for more.

And most importantly—join the Facebook group and search “maternity leave.”

You’ll find resources, real talk, and a community of moms who have your back.

Now go get that leave, mama. Your future self (and your baby!) will thank you. 💪

You got this, mama,
Naomi

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