Maternity Leave

So I was informed before I even got pregnant that I get 12 weeks maternity leave at 70% pay after I drain my Paid time off. Well unfortunately for me that is not true. I Do drain my Paid time off bank but the rest of my leave will be unpaid. I just found this out this morning. My husband is going to completely flip out!! I know it probably wasnt the right thing to do but I sent him a text message to let him know. He is away out of town right now for work. Ahhhhh I am so upset. Is anyone else in a situation similar. How much leave are you taking off?? I talked to my mom and she simply said not to worry about it but its hard not to. My husband is going to be so upset- I don't know how we are going to be able to live on 1 income for 3 months... Advice???

[lisa0114]

I work at a job that i get paid a cash salary we have no benefits at all. If you don't work you don't get paid. I informed my boss that i needed 2 months off when i have the baby and he about flipped. I won't have any income from my job while i am out. I am sorta counting on my taxes being back by that time to help out. I believe where there is a will there is a way. Good Luck & God Bless

[LilBea]

Yikes!! that's a crappy situation to be in.. :(
I get to stay home with baby for a year. I'm not too sure what it all entails just yet. and i guess i should get on that ASAP!

i hope everything works out for you!

[kylesMom09]

At my job I get paid up to 6 weeks at 60% of my salary as long as I have a normal full term delivery, but I am comtemplating becoming a SAHM so if tell them beforehand about it I will lose all of my benefits when I leave to have baby.  I would totally be stressed if I were in your shoes too.  I guess just start trying to save everything you can now and hopefully you can figure out where you can cut to make it work.  Hopefully it all works out because the last thing you need to do it spend your last trimester all stressed out about money!!

[Megs2girls7]

That's pretty crappy news to hear and I'm sorry you're going through this. On the flip side at least you found out in enough time that you can try to start saving before baby comes so you can have some what of a cushion. There are a lot of SAHM's on this site and I'm sure anyone would be willing to give advice on being frugal.

[Aliciaw]

Oh man that stinks! I get 6 weeks but only 4 weeks of it will be paid 100% and the other 2 will be paid at like 2/3rds. My work gives you 2 weeks full pay for every calander year you have been with the company. Do you have to take the full 12 weeks? If you don't mind me asking how much paid time off do you have?

[DPAW]

My dear trust me God will make a way, remember apart from bills like mortgage/rent and utilities your expenses should be less while you are at home. If you're breast feeding you dont have to buy milk or water, just diapers for the baby. If that becomes too costly then for the time that you're off invest in cloth diapers and save. When you, hubby or mom cook dinner ensure to leave enough for you're lunches the next day and you can save in little ways like that. It's only 3 months, just purchase the baby items you will use while you are home and when you return to work get the rest of the stuff. It will work out so don't stress enjoy your pregnancy as you prepare to welcome this new wonder into your lives. God bless you and yours!!!

[rbohl01]

***Update***

So my hubby acted completely ok about the no paid maternity leave news. In fact he was so sweet and worried about my stress level more than anything else. Thankfully we bought a new home this year and managed to get the 8000 tax credit. We still have half of that plus our upcoming tax return so he thinks we will just be fine. I am so grateful to have such an incredible supporting husband. All my worry for nothing. People struggle all the time. My only issue was that we live so comfortably right now I would hate to see us struggle even for a day but God definitely has a plan for us and will take care of us. 3 months is such a short amount of time in the big picture of things =)

[MissLisa82]

Your state doesn't provide any paid maternity leave?  In California, I get 6 weeks paid at about 50% of my regular pay through State Disability, then I get another 6 weeks 50% paid through the State Family Medical Leave.  My husband can get 6 weeks paid at 50% as well to bond with the baby.  I don't get any payment from my work at all.  I don't know how your state works but you should see if it pays anything at all.

I am really glad your husband was so supportive and I am sure you will be fine.