[nanettesa]

I brought home my daughter, who just turned 6 months, on December 22 from Guatemala. What a great Christmas present! I am a single parent and was just wondering how much time others took off from work? Is 6 weeks to soon? My current employer does not offer any type of paid maternatity leave. I am feeling pressure from him to return to work. You would think that after 20 years of loyal service, he would be more understanding. I would like to hear about your experiences, thought and opinions.

[nawlinsmom]

First of all, congratulations and secondly take as much time off as you can. I agree with you that you think our employers, (I had worked for mine for 12 years when I adopted my son at birth) would be more understanding, but I also think that as long term employees they just expect more out of us. I had no time off per se. I came home from CA after waiting for ICPC for 15 days, on a Friday and was called that Sunday night to be in at work on that Monday for a meeting and then it never stopped after that. (In total I spent 9 working days away)It was the most horrible time for me, knowing that I must have a job especially with a newborn but then to be sleep deprived and trying to figure out daycare,I didn't even have a baby bed when I got home plus all of the other issues surrounding bringing home a baby. I wish I would have spoken up at that time, because now it is so hard to forget, that when it comes down to it, we are all just employees. I think if I had to do it over again I would ask for 6 weeks away and then try to work from home for another 4 to 6 weeks. I really think it takes that long for the routine to stick and I would think that with a six month old you need the time to bond, and enjoy her. I wish you luck and I hope you get the time you deserve.

[Jackobanzi]

I discovered when I got to my current school that the maternity leave clause in the contract applies to childbirth AND adoption. I'll get 6 weeks of paid leave, should I ever get this adoption to go through. I'm hoping it will straddle spring break and give me an extra two weeks.

I think it would be great help to your cause to say to your boss, "I even know a SCHOOL TEACHER who gets 6 weeks off, paid!"

Go for it - the worst he can do is say no.

Good luck!

[African Safari]

Everyone I've ever asks say "Take as MUCH time as you can afford." I won't get any "free" paid leave, i.e., I have to use vacation time and just found out that I can't use sick leave (and I had 5 weeks stored up!!). I am counting on my federal tax return to stretch out my leave for another 2 weeks. Anything I can do!