2torial #0427:
Learn2 Prepare for Maternity Leave

Yes, I want a vacation without sleep

Congratulations--you're having a baby! And if you're a working mom-to-be, your maternity leave will play an important part in your plans. Preparing yourself and your company for your upcoming leave may be as easy as following the steps in your employee handbook, or it may be as pioneering as walking on the moon. Either way, we'll help you identify your maternity leave rights, plus give you tips on how to prepare for the leave and (more important) how to tell your boss.

Maternity leave preserves your right to have your job back after taking time off work to have or adopt a baby, and to care for a newborn. Numerous countries around the world have special laws for workers who become pregnant, and in Western Europe, maternity leave is treated as a special welfare benefit funded by taxes. In most other countries, though, whether or not your maternity leave comes with pay will probably depend on your company.

Once you know you're pregnant, you should begin researching your rights and opportunities immediately, but don't break the good news at work quite yet. Tell your colleagues only after you're familiar with your rights, your company's policies (if any), and what you'll be asking for. Do this research before your pregnancy shows--hopefully you'll have a couple of months before your blessed condition is obvious.