Making the Most out of your Maternity Leave

Guest Post by Joyce Brister.

What is more fun and more exciting than a new addition to the family? Having a baby is an exciting time, but may also be somewhat stressful and tiring. The addition to your family of a new baby requires some planning ahead. One of those things that you will want to plan ahead is your maternity leave.

Depending on how long you have for your maternity leave, you’ll want to begin planning to take time off about midway through your 8th month. Firstly, you’ll be  more than ready for a break once you’re carrying all of that extra weight. Secondary to that, about midway through the 8th month, you will begin to need more rest, as well as to want to take time to plan the new nursery, or to attend to other things around your home.

Maternity leave is typically given to new mothers or those who are expecting by almost every company who employs workers. While a few do not offer the maternity leave, most will do so. Beginning your leave prior to the birth of the baby by at least two weeks also assures that you’re not going to be caught unaware at work.

Once the baby is born, you’ll quite likely be taking at least six weeks away from your job. For those who are taking maternity leave, your job will be waiting for you when you get back to work. The amount of maternity leave that you may take will be based upon the company policy at your place of employment as well as the state laws in your state. In most cases, those who are taking maternity leave to spend time with the newborn have about 8 weeks to do so before they are expected to return to work.

The first few months after the birth of a child are critical to the bonding process between mother and child. Maternity leave, taken during this time, assures that you will build strong bonds with your new baby. Interacting, reading, simply holding your child make for a nurturing and safe atmosphere for a child that will enable them to make secure friendships and bonds of their own throughout their life.

Bear in mind that if you will have outside child care once you return to work, now is the perfect time to begin to interview new caregivers. As well as interviews, you will want to consider online reviews and comments about the prospective child care facilities. In addition, take the time to review and inspect the child care facilities that you will be using to care for your new baby.

Make the most of your maternity leave by spending the time with not only your new baby, but with any other siblings who may also be in the household. This helps not only you and your baby to adjust, but the entire family to be able to welcome and get to know the new family member.

********

Joyce Brister is a loving parent and blogger for the My Baby Blog.  Joyce loves writing about situations that parents are often faced with.  She would like for you to take a look at her JoJo Designs Bedding at My Baby Bedding Shop.