Hi! Newbie with some questions

Posts: 3
8/24/12 10:14 P

Thank you everyone for the very helpful replies. I am definitely going to look into the legal aspects of my contract ( I think it said I could have 6 weeks of maternity leave for C-section, 4 weeks for regular delivery-so I have to verify this since it seems somewhat brief) and put together a plan on how to tell my boss; then hopefully, he will compromise with me on working hours, job tasks,etc. Thank you again!

Posts: 721
8/13/12 10:51 P

Although i have been at my job for 7 years now and this is not my first pregnancy with this company it is always a little tough telling your company you are expecting my old boss was wonderful and it never bothered me to tell him. My new boss is not a personable person so when i found out i was pregnant my worry was how he was going to react. I knew ahead of time what my rights are and what the company's policies are but i did do up a proposal with a few different options for them that worked for me like what duties i would be willing to do up until my leave the position i do now i am comfortable doing until the time i have to go on leave but also gave them the option of if they didn't feel comfortable with me in that position as it does involve the safety of everyone i would be comfortable doing an office job for the time being. so we came to a compromise as i am legally required to be at work until i am relieved by someone else who is competent if i had to go to the hospital during my shift it wouldn't be a good situation so we decided i would go to the office when my doctor feels i am getting closer to needing that flexibility. I also gave them a time line of how much time i will need off and the hours i would be available for any consultations they may need while i am off.

Posts: 95
8/10/12 5:20 A

I've read that it's a common misconception and that legally some companies DO NOT have to give you 12 weeks FML OR hold your position (or any position for that matter) depending on the time you work there (I.e., you have to work there more than 6 months or a year or whatever before you qualify). I would say first thing you should do once aboard (sooner if you can) is know company policy so you can know your rights. Then once you do that, you can form a plan of how your maternity leave will go and THEN present the information to your new boss. I think given the time you will arrive to site and the time you will leave, showing up with a plan, and back up will show initiative and that you're a planner who wants to be successful while there and on leave. Hope this helps.

Edited by: MAMASCO at: 8/10/2012 (05:21)

Posts: 11
8/10/12 2:06 A

As someone that has been in retail management for 20 years... the legal HR side of things, you don't have to tell them anything and once you are working there-they are required to give you your 12 weeks maternity leave and they must keep your job or an equal job available for you.

However, that is the law side and from a managers perspective it always puts a bad taste in your mouth when you are the last person to be told.

So put that together and my advice would be, as soon as you are showing I would go to your boss and tell them in person. Explain that although your baby is your top priority-being their provider is important as well. Reassure them that you will be the great worker that they hired and that you will be back after the 12 weeks, or sooner.

Good luck!

Posts: 3
8/9/12 3:50 A

Hi everyone! Just wanted to introduce myself and maybe get some general advice. This is my first pregnancy. I am 6 weeks and a few days, so I haven't really told many people yet bc i am at least waiting unitl we can hear the fetal heartbeat. The baby wasn't exactly planned, but me and my husband are happy. We are also anxious, as I just accepted a new job, signed a contract out of state for a start date of November 1st, so we have to re-locate in about 8 weeks. There is a strong chance my start date will be delayed by a month or two--i work in health care and by the time the paperwork is fully processed it can take longer then expected. My question is how do I go about telling my new colleagues about the pregnancy? By the time I move there it will probably be obvious that I am pregnant, and I am due tentatively in April--which leaves me just a few months( maybe less) at my new job before taking maternity leave. I work in a male dominated field, so I'm not sure how they are going to take this news. This baby is my new top priority in life, but I am also the primary bread winner for now, and do take my career very seriously,,so as a new hire, I would appreciate any advice any of you working mommies could give me!!!! Thanks!!! Also, I am only in the first trimester, have every abdominal symtom that exists and feel like this : , again appreciate any help