Maternity Leave Myths Debunked: 5 Misconceptions About Maternity Leave

Expecting a baby is an understandably stressful time, especially if this is your first. You’ve already got a lot on your plate, so let us help clear up a few misconceptions about maternity leave.

Myth: Your employer can reject your maternity leave request.

Any encounter with HR is going to be nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to requesting extended time off. While your employer legally cannot reject your request for maternity leave, they are obligated to follow the previously established legal guidelines. These guidelines vary on the size of the company, your weekly hours worked, and a few other variables.

If the circumstances are right, you may even qualify to receive benefits through the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). If you are eligible, this guarantees you will have a job to return to, it may not be the exact position you left, but it should be similar. Your employer should be able to tell you whether or not you qualify for FMLA benefits.

Myth: You won’t want to return to work.

You’ve probably heard other new moms talking about not wanting to come back, but that isn’t necessarily the case for everybody. Of course, it will be an adjustment, but it’ll be okay. You can ease into this new routine by visiting your place of work a few weeks before The Big Day.

It’ll take some time, but you’ll settle into your new routine and learn how to balance all of your new responsibilities. You may need to enlist in some extra help, like babysitters, daycare, or even working with your employer to adjust your hours, but don’t worry, you got this, mama!

Myth: This is the time for you to get caught up.

Every baby is different, so you may actually be able to get caught up on some of those projects and self-set deadlines, so don’t be too hard on yourself if this doesn’t work out the way you’d expected.

Just remember to take things day by day, sometimes you’ll fly through your daily tasks and on other days something as simple as getting out of the house for a walk around the neighborhood.

Unfortunately, the usual housework and bills will still be waiting around for you, so take a break and spend some quality time with your new babe. You can set yourself up for success before your baby is even born by browsing this list of The Best Strollers for Big Kids – Toddler to 100lbs! and finding a stroller that you can count on, that will hold up for years to come.

Myth: You’ll make a lot of new mom friends.

Often new moms find solace by turning to the people that can best relate to your experiences—other new moms, especially if you are among the first of your friend group to have a baby.

Don’t sweat it if things don’t seem to click with some of these other women, you shouldn’t force a friendship just because you have this one thing in common. You may find some people you really enjoy navigating motherhood with, but you don’t have to ditch your old college buddies to hang out with a local mom group. It’s okay to maintain your own interests, friends, and hobbies. You do not have to sacrifice the things you love to be a good mother.

Myth: You’ll want a lot (or no) visitors.

You may hear other new moms talks about how they just wanted to be alone with their new little family, or how their mom or sister spent a week with them to help out. This is entirely up to you and your partner, again, take it day by day and do whatever you feel is best for your family.

There is no right or wrong way to spend your maternity leave, enjoy the time with your new baby, and don’t forget to take a little time for yourself.