6 Maternity Leave Myths People NEED to Stop Spreading

6 Maternity Leave Myths People NEED to Stop Spreading As an expecting mom, you have many things to consider, and a lot of advice thrown your way. Some of that advice may include what to expect during your maternity leave, and how to plan for it best. But as we all know, not all advice is created equal.Lets take a look at 6 of the fruchtwein common maternity leave myths and get to the truth of what every mom needs to know.1. Myth My maternity leave can be rejected.Many working moms can feel a bit nervous when approaching their teamberater or HR specialist about maternity leave. But dont worry, its your right to take a maternity leave, and you have legal protections.Under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave. However, some of this will most likely be unpaid leave (make sure you know your companys paid maternity leave policy), so unfortunately, many working moms simply cant afford to take all 12 weeks. However, you can as k your employer if they would be open to shared parental leave that allows you to work from home.2. Myth My employer already has a plan.While the number of employers providing maternity leaves increased from 1 in 6 to 1 in 3 in 2018, your employer might not have a written policy. Sometimes, businesses dont even develop maternity leave or breastfeeding policies until they have their first expecting mother on the team. Plus, it takes time to develop and prepare these policies. Be sure to speak with your supervisor about your desire to take a maternity leave and breast pump at work a few months ahead of time to allow them to prepare.3. Myth Ill have to work during my maternity leave.This myth is completely false. Under the FMLA, you are not required to work during your maternity leave to allow for time to bond with your baby and physically recover from giving birth.However, Unpaid or short maternity leaves put working moms in an unfair position, forcing them to return to work before th eyre physically and emotionally ready. It takes, on average, about six weeks to physically recover from giving birth. If youre faced with an unpaid maternity leave, plan ahead by accumulating paid time off and saving money to cover that additional time.4. Myth I wont want to return to work.Every mother is different, and whether you stay home or go back to work is a personal decision. If you are a mom who looks forward to returning to her career, do not feel guilty or compare yourself to other moms.5. Myth Ill be less productive when I return to work.Its perfectly normal to be nervous about returning to work after your baby has completely changed your life. You may feel some pressure to prove yourself, but you may also surprise yourself with newly discovered mom talents.Even though you may be sleep deprived and slightly emotional, as you adjust to work life, youll find that you have new time management skills, productivity, focus, and more to effectively meet deadlines and take your career to the next level. Just dont overdo it, and take your time to avoid any extra stress in the beginning.6. Myth Talking to my employer about breastfeeding can wait.Its your right to breastfeed when you return to work, and you are covered under the ritterlich Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The act states that employers must provide reasonable break time for mothers to express milk for their child up to one year after their birth, as well as provide a space, separate from a bathroom thats free from the intrusion of coworkers and the public for to purpose of expressing breastmilk. All employers are subject to the FLSA unless those with 50 or fewer employees can prove that adhering to these provisions would post undue hardship.Make sure to have the conversation about breastfeeding BEFORE you go on maternity leave. Waiting until you are back is too late. Do they have a plan for you to take breaks to breast pump? Is there a lactation room on site? Have you been transparent about your ne eds? Some employers will proactively have this conversation. But if not, talk to your employer before you are out so there are no surprises when you get back.--Jennifer Jordan is the Director of Mom Baby at