With my first son I worked up until I went into labor but this time around I have a job that is more demanding. I have found my self to be really tiered and irritable. I have alot of anxiety and not to mention back pain. I am almost 34 weeks pregnant. Is it too early to ask for maternity leave? Would it effect my time to spend with the baby after delivery? Any suggestions would help, I'm so ready to stay home!!!!
Call or visit online the disability office, and find out your options. I think you can get disability AND bonding time (Family Leave Act) which might give you a longer period.
Here is their website: http://www.edd.ca.gov/fleclaimdi.htm
The state of California will give you 4 weeks before your due date, but if your doctor feels you need to stop work early they can sign something and get you the disability early. My sister-in-law had her daughter 11 days late and they paid her up until that time, so if you go past your due date the will cover that too. You get 6 weeks after deliver if you have a vaginal deliver, and 8 weeks if you have a c-section. After those 6 or 8 weeks are over you get a form to take an addition 6 weeks off for "bonding time" which you can take any time within your baby’s first year of life. The father is also able to take those 6 weeks off to “bond” with the baby within the first year. We are so lucky the state offers this! go to edd.ca.gov and click on disability insurance.
Best of luck!
Hi V.,
I was told to go on bed-rest at 32 weeks. I also had a high-stress, physically demanding job that put me at extreme risk for premature labor. I got 8 weeks from my job( emergency c-section) and six weeks from FMLA and then I also was able to get disability. Depending on your circumstances, the best thing to do is talk with your doctor. Tell them your concerns and see what they say. Good luck to you and congratulations on your new little one coming!
Molly
I know that you are allowed 12 weeks after delivery (under FMLA) to bond with the baby and I believe it's up to 6 weeks before the birth *hoping someone will correct me if I'm mistaken*. Your employer is required to hold your job for you during this time. I'm not sure if the 6 weeks allowable before the birth affects the amount of time you receive after if you take it (I don't think so). You will only get paid a portion of your salary (I think around 1/3 of it) through FMLA.
I worked up until I was 36 weeks, thinking I'd have 3 or 4 weeks at least to myself. Nope, I went into labor 5 days later! I was so glad I stopped working when I did. Listen to your body, if you feel you are ready to be off of work then discuss this with your employer and take your leave asap.
Good luck!
ETA: Catherine got it right... 4 weeks before delivery, 6 weeks FMLA (after birth) and 6 weeks disability (anytime within first year).
Tell your doctor in no uncertain terms about the pain and stress you are having. If your doctor agrees that you should be at home he can give you the form to apply for disability. I had to do this with my first son. I stopped working at 27 weeks, doctor's orders and paid disability. It did not effect the 12 weeks off I had after the baby's birth.
I was told I had 4 weeks before delivery. If you are really feeling not well, you should talk to your doctor, they can take you out of work at any time. I think a lot of it depends on your employer, since each employer has there own variations above and beyond the state guidelines. Check with your HR person, they should be able to answer all of your questions.
