Top Maternal Leave Tips from Real Mothers

Preparing for maternity leave can be quite stressful, but preparing right will make it easier for you.

As your pregnancy comes to term, the maternal leave becomes a necessity. However, preparing for it can be quite stressful if not done wisely. Here are some tips from mothers who've been there.

Research Your Rights

According to Parents.com, after telling your boss that you're pregnant, getting to know your rights will help. Approach your HR department and ask what kind of maternal leave are you entitled to take, and how long will your job be held in your absence.

There are also provisions that vary by State. For example, California lets pregnant mothers take paid disability by up to a month before due date, said Audrey Bankhead, escrow officer and mother of two. “I took advantage of this.”

Knowing your rights and privileges really help.

Finish Paperworks

Patty Adams Martinez of Parents.com advises that after coming into an agreement with the boss, maternal leave takers should fill up necessary paperwork as early as possible.

“This will allow you to be as work stress-free as possible during what should be a wonderful time,” Martinez wrote. ”Getting the paperwork out of the way long before your due date will be a load off your mind!”

Enlist Help

Martinez adds that getting people to help you prepare would be good. Help the company by making sure all tasks will be handled by someone in your absence.

“Once I hit 36 weeks, I started copying my coworkers on e-mails,” said retail-services director Michaelann Heffelmire, a mom of two. “At the end of each day I wrote detailed notes about every project I had worked on that day and left it at my desk, just in case.”

Preparing the workplace before the leave will help you and your company. Your boss won't be in a sense of panic as you go, and you won't have to worry about unwanted work calls, too.

Save up

“Small amounts can add up over nine months,” said Heffelmire, who had 12 weeks unpaid leave with her first son and 12 weeks of partial-pay leave with her second.

Start the Leave Early

Sabrina Garibian, writer for blog RhodeyGirlTests.com, adds via Baby Center: “Even though starting your maternity leave before your baby is born usually means less time once the baby arrives, it is worth taking that time.”

Enjoy the Time

“Before you know it you will be back to work, so enjoy the time off,” adds Garibian.

How about you? Do you have some Maternal Leave experience? Share your tips in the comments below.