Becoming a new mother can be possibly one of the best experiences of a woman’s life however, it can also come with complications. Unlike the early 50s and 60s, more women have full time jobs and are sometimes even the primary breadwinners of their households. This means that taking time off for childbirth and childcare thereafter is not an option for many, and can lead to complicated financial and even legal situations with their employers. In this post, we will cover some tips for working mothers who are expecting, and what they can do to minimize conflict with their job. Please note this post is not to be taken as legal advice, and is solely the opinion of the author.
Navigating Maternity Leave
While many states have experienced great progression in the realm of maternity leave and female employee rights, many still lack benefits that some may consider right (or even constitutional). New York is one state that is far and beyond more progressive in this area, with maternity leave that is covered by insurance. Read more on New York leave right here. Paid maternity leave is crucial to financial stability throughout pregnancy and childbirth, and is something many mothers rely heavily on. It is important however to communicate with your employer and notify them that you will need maternity leave and, if possible, estimated dates that you will be out. This will allow them to efficiently cover your position until you are back at work, and ensure a smooth transition. Some employers however are not as open as many would hope, and there have even been cases of women being fired because they were pregnant. If you find yourself in this type of situation, contact a women’s rights lawyer immediately and bring the responsible party to court (it’s you right!).
Informational Video on Maternity Leave in the United States
Breast Pumping at Work
As of 2010, a federal law called the Break Time for Nursing Mothers Law ensures that employers allow employees not only a private spot to pump milk or breastfeed, but also a break to do it. This milestone legislation is ideal for mothers who are returning from maternity leave and need to pump milk at work. The type of breast pump used does not matter, but it is ideal to get something quiet so as not to disrupt the workplace (you can find a highly recommended one here: Your Breast Pump Reviews – Spectra S1). Having a pump that is too loud may give your employer grounds to send you home citing workplace disruption, which is not what anyone wants. Special tip: mothers who need a breast pump for work can check out this list of 2017 breast pump comparisons.
Bringing a Child to Work
Rules about bringing a child to work can differ based on the workplace environment. The biggest concern here is safety. If you work in a factory or an environment that a child could get into dangerous situations, it may be best to find a daycare. However, if you work in an office, you can talk with your employer about bringing in your child. Something else to note however, is that it may not be wise from an insurance standpoint. For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) finds numerous examples where having a child in the workplace can be both dangerous and an insurance liability. This is an area that your employer will have to work with you on, and you should consult them.
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