Maternity Leave : Tips for Moms & Baby Websites

Maternity Leave

Posted on May 18, 2007 in Pregnancy & Labor by little mochi

Well, this is my first week of maternity leave (my third day to be exact). My due date is June 29 so I took three weeks earlier than what California’s State Disability Insurance (SDI) will pay me for. I was a little confused at first with what the state offers. My doctor told me that I can take off anytime for maternity but the state will typically pay for only 4 weeks prior to the expected delivery date. However, I was told that I should be able to take as many days off as I can if I have the doctor’s note.

So I called the SDI office for clarification. They said it is the doctor’s discretion and that they can’t really argue with the doctor. They just need to fill out the doctor’s certification on the SDI application. That tells me that I should be able to take my maternity leave early and still get paid, right?

Now here’s the thing. I am not having any complications. I wanted to take off early because my body was worn down. It was really tired. The little bugger in my belly was taking up a lot of my energy. Also, I drive approximately 20 miles each way on the 405 freeway to work – which is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes each way. So the traffic wears me down even before I get to work. I fall asleep behind the wheel A LOT because I am not sleeping well at night. It was too dangerous and unhealthy for me and the baby.

So I had the doctor fill out paperwork for my company (different from the actual SDI application). He left the date open for me so I can decide when I wanted to take off. I decided last Friday would be good. Last Monday, I told my company that my last day would be Friday, then called the doctor and told him. He said most likely, SDI will reject my claim for early leave. He said early leave was for those with complications, such as those with heavy bleeding or high blood pressure. And I had none of those. He will certainly try, but they will ask for my medical records to see why I needed to take off early. According to my doctor, my reason was a “personal” reason rather than a “medical” reason.

So here’s what I learned. Correct me if I’m wrong. For a normal pregnancy without “medical” complications, CA SDI will pay you approximately 55% of your salary up to FOUR WEEKS PRIOR to your expected delivery date and SIX WEEKS AFTER your delivery date. Then you can also tag on ANOTHER SIX WEEKS (for a total of 12 weeks) from FMLA. I believe the maximum weekly pay is $882. To see the weekly benefit amount, click here. For more information, it’s best that you visit http://www.edd.ca.gov or call them at 1-877-BE-THERE. You would also have to check your company’s maternity leave policies. My company will pay me the difference between what SDI will pay me and what my full weekly salary is so I will still get a full paycheck. But only up to 240 hours, or six weeks.

Paid or non-paid, it’s a good thing that I took my maternity leave early. I am a lot more relaxed now. I can take my leisure walks around the parks, eat healthier, and sleep whenever I am tired. I get to enjoy the my quiet surroundings (I’m sure there will be constant crying later). I get to go to the movies all day if I wanted to. I get to shop whenever I feel like. I am much happier. And plus, I get to spend more quality time with my husband. That’s something I may miss once the baby is born. All I can say is that I’m enjoying my leave as much as possible.

Comments

6 comments to “Maternity Leave”

Fred Aldrich on May 21st, 2007 6:33 am

I vote for Scott. Your little dude will grow up to be the envy of all.So a strong name like Scott is just what the doctor ordered. Scott is the way to go ; besides he will reward you – his parents – with nothing but good things by naming him Scott. Remember you heard this from Fred……..May 21 2007!!!!
Jasmine on May 21st, 2007 3:13 pm

Hi Cathy,

So good to hear from you! I think it’s great that you’re taking some time off to rest, prepare for the baby, and spend time with Steve. Enjoy your sleep and free time while you can get it;)

Regarding your leave questions, FMLA offers you job protection for 12 weeks, … but that includes time off before AND after your delivery. In other words, if you take off 4 weeks before, then I believe you can only get another 8 weeks after delivery. At least that’s how it was for me … for this reason, I worked all the way up until my delivery date, so that I could spend all 12 weeks with the baby (6 of which was paid). Please call your HR Rep to see if this applies in your case. At any rate, I’m sure you’re a valued employee, in which case, you could probably negotiate more (unpaid) time off directly with your management.

I don’t know the answer to your question about the baby walker. I have seen the warnings, but I always thought they applied to those circular ones with the bucket seat in the middle. I saw the walker that you had in your registry … we actually just bought a similar one for Adrian, who is beginning to walk. He finds things to push on and grab onto for support anyway, so nothing really beats our constant vigilance. Everything becomes potentially dangerous as he becomes increasingly mobile. We will of course keep the walker downstairs at all times to prevent the possibility of baby going down, walker and all.

The biggest, most wonderful change in your life is right around the corner, Cathy!! I’m so excited for you!:)
Jasmine on May 21st, 2007 3:18 pm

Oh, and I prefer the name Mason. It’s a nice name and it’s more unique.

Sorry Fred …
Jasmine on May 21st, 2007 3:43 pm

I forgot one other important detail … I continued to receive benefits (medical, dental, vision) during my 12 weeks under FMLA, but if I wanted to take more time off, I would have had to purchase COBRA for continuation of coverage, which was very expensive. Because I didn’t sign up for coverage under Albert during open enrollment (stupid move) and added Adrian to my plan (even stupider move), I had no choice but to go back to work.
Suzana on April 22nd, 2008 2:17 pm

Yeah. The FMLA thing is great. I know the corporations hate it, but I think it’s the best thing this country ever did for working families. Do you know how much leave you would get in Canada or Europe? I know, so maybe their economies don’t hold up as well (not that you can tell now). Anyway. COBRA is not cheap… FYI….
little mochi on April 22nd, 2008 4:37 pm

FMLA is great in that the fathers can take it too. It’s not something that is advertised too much in CA. Some people also wonder how you can get your maternity leave extended. I actually got mine extended an extra two weeks just by asking my doctor. I think it just depends on your doctor when he wants to release you.

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