You'll be in a stronger position to negotiate a leave if you approach your boss directly with a specific plan, preferably before the midpoint of your pregnancy. If both you and your supervisor have time to prepare for your departure, then he or she will be more likely to help orchestrate a smooth return. A lot will depend on your energy level, how easy or complicated your pregnancy becomes after the initial exhausting months, and the stress and physical labor involved in your career. Some women start their leave in the seventh or eighth month while others work right up until delivery. How long you decide to stay at home is also a personal decision based on your company's policies and your own preferences.
Most moms return to work after giving birth.
However, some take only 4 to 6 weeks, while others stay home for a full year or more. Your intital plan could change if you have a difficult delivery or if your child has a disability. Or like Kathy Frieswick of Haverhill, Massachusetts, you may simply not be ready to hand your baby over to a caregiver when your planned leave is up. Once your maternity leave runs out, parental leave takes over. Each company can devise its own parental leave policy under this general act.