These days parental leave for giving birth or adoption covers not only the mother but also the father. In this case, let us talk about the woman’s side of the parental leave when she is expecting a child. It is usually best to consult the HR department of your company regarding how to go about requesting for maternity leave and other details.
When to Take Maternity Leave
It is stated in the United States Federal guidelines to file your request for a maternity leave not less than 30 days before you intend to take your leave, although, some bosses might like to know about this a little more in advance than just a month’s notice. This is so they can look for a temp to take over your position or assign someone else to do so while you are on leave.
You can actually take your maternity leave as soon as your company permits you. This will all be dependent on your capacity to work while pregnant and your determination. Some women with complicated pregnancies take their maternity leave around seven to eight months into their pregnancy while others continue to work until the very day that they deliver. Women with complicated pregnancies can take their maternity leave earlier or they can be put on a Short Term Disability program if your company or state offers this.
The length of your maternity leave is initially dependent on your company’s policies and restriction regarding this matter but the federal government of the United States declares that you must conclude your maternity leave within 12 months of your child’s birth date or arrival. The length of the leave can be negotiated with your employer but some can be as long as six months and as short as three. Your maternity leave can be either paid or unpaid depending on the agreement that you signed up with your company so in most cases, childbirth is covered under Short Term Disability which gives you more options.
How do I Write a Request Letter for Maternity Leave?
Writing your maternity leave letter should not be a problem. In this letter, you should state to your employer that you are expecting a child and you intend to take a maternity leave. If you are taking the leave early due to recommended bed rest or complications, you might include a doctor’s recommendation stating this. Other things to bring up in your letter are when you intend to start your maternity leave, the length of your maternity leave and when you intend to go back to work. You may also cite your intention to use your sick days, leave days or take advantage of your company’s Short Term Disability program for your maternity leave.
You are entitled to a maternity leave under the law but the contract that you signed upon entering the company you are working for may state more restrictions and amendments which you need to be aware of before taking steps to request for a maternity leave.
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