Pregnant? Learn Your State’s Maternity Leave Laws

Back when I was working full-time outside the home and got pregnant I remember being like a deer in headlights. I had no idea how to navigate my new job and being pregnant for the first time, plus I was barely 24 years old. I worked for a big bank at the time and even though it was a corporate job I remember it being so hard to find out my maternity benefits. Then a mom mentioned that I should check out the laws for Illinois since that is where I live just in case I needed more time off or had an issue with my pregnancy. I didn’t realize how important it was to know not just my job-specific benefits but also the maternity leave laws in my state.

Every company is different here in the United States with what they offer pregnant women and some even off paternity leave for dads. My husband of course didn’t work for a company that offered paternity leave until after we were already done having kids. He did though work for a car insurance company for two of our kids and we got amazing car seats for free for our kids through the company. Again that is a perk we wouldn’t have known about without some digging into company policies.

One state that I feel is always so far on the spectrum from other states with regulations and rules is California and with maternity leave is no different. Did you know that maternity leave laws in California require 12 weeks of unpaid family leave to new parents if the company has five or more employees? That is somewhat standard but definitely not a requirement with most companies in other states. Feel like you are not getting the time you are entitled to by law? There are los angeles employment lawyers that can fight for your rights and help you with supporting your new family. Not in the los Angeles area? Check out an employment lawyer in your state.

I remember taking the bare minimum off that was paid which was I believe four weeks at the time and if I had the option for eight more weeks even unpaid I would have taken them. It is so hard being a new parent and while I was fortunate to have those four weeks at home with my babies, it definitely wasn’t enough time for me to heal and bond with my new baby.

While you may have nine months to worry about it, I suggest starting looking for policies as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. You do not have to let HR or you manager know right away if you don’t want to but there should be an employee guide or benefits website you can check out discreetly. In the mean time also do a quick search for your state and what you are entitled to so you have that information if you need it.