By Kathy Peel
So you've just found out you're pregnant. Congratulations! You're about to embark on an exciting time. Of course, you've got a million things to think about to prepare for the arrival of your new baby, and you may wonder how to do it all while still managing a career. The transition from career woman to new mother to working mom can seem overwhelming without the right guidance. Here are some tips to help you through planning and taking your maternity leave to ensure you can focus on what's important – your new bundle of joy!
Planning for Your Maternity Leave
- Talk to your human resources department and research your employer's policy regarding pregnancy leave and other pregnancy-related benefits. Make sure you are aware of your rights when it comes to taking maternity leave. and research government programs that have been set up to provide you with assistance while on maternity leave. Find out from your human resources representative if you can receive any additional benefits, such as applying accrued vacation or sick days toward your leave. Have your husband do the same – some companies now offer paternity leave too!
- Let your boss know your wonderful news when you're ready (and not showing!). Depending on your relationship with your boss, you may want to jot notes on what to say and come prepared with ideas on how the company can handle your workload while you are away.
- Request as much time for your maternity leave as you can reasonably get, as long as it won't jeopardize your job or your financial security. You can always ask for less time after the baby has arrived. Telling your boss you'll be coming back early is much easier than telling him or her you need more time.
- Find out what your health insurance covers – home health nurses, doulas, lactation consultants, midwives, etc. - to make sure you and your baby will have your health care needs covered. Decide which parent has a better health insurance plan for families. Don't forget about deadlines like declaring a dependent child, and make sure that whichever plan youchoose covers well-baby visits.
- It's never too early to start researching pediatricians. Tap into family and friends for recommendations, get a list from your insurance company and use online directories from leading professional groups to find names of board-certified pediatricians. Once you've narrowed this list, make sure you interview a few before choosing. You're going to have a relationship with this physician for many years to come, so make sure you like him or her and agree with his or her childcare philosophies.
- If you think you may return to work, start researching child care options that best suit you and your family.
