breastfeeding/returning to work

[starryeyes0784]

I'm due in late May and plan on breastfeeding. Problem is, my job is just a part time job with no benefits and can't afford to take off work forever. My boss is very understanding and is willing to give me time off but spring and summer is the busy time of year for us. I was planning on taking off at least 4 weeks, possibly 6 but husband says I should take off 3 months. My boss is pretty lenient but I don't think he'd be ok with me taking off that long. Any ideas on how long is a reasonable time to take off and still allow baby and I to get settled with nursing?

[TaninsMommy]

Wow I guess it is different in every state. I'm abosultely speachless to find out that some states don't have some sort of help for new moms or even short term disability. I guess I'm blessed to live in California and have help when I'm off of work and bonding with my little one. I wish you luck, I hope your employer gives you time off.

[starryeyes0784]

I'm in Kansas. And I can't work more than 1250 hrs, if I work over that, I'm no longer part time and would be required to receive benefits. Also, I don't receive paid sick time or vacation time, that's a perk you get as a full time employee not seasonal/part time. It's the city's way of saving a few bucks. If I work for 29/hrs a week (thanks to Obama anything over that is considered full time) I do not qualify for anything special other than to show up, do my job and get paid for it.

[brooke7373]

I'm in Utah and that's how it is here too. It ***** cause I don't qualify for FMLA because it's been less than a year. That's ok though....Just gotta figure it out :)

[b4b]

Fennel essential oil will boost breast milk production as well as fenugreek. There is also mothers milk tea and maxi milk from mountain meadow herbs. Pump between feedings to get your body to make more. Do what feels right for you on the time off thing. Good luck.

[mamichalke]

*1250 hours

[mamichalke]

In HR in indiana... each state is different.  If your company does not provide short term disability then you won't get paid.  Our company provides 60% of salary and you only get 100% of pay if purchase own individual policy.  There is absolutely no law that says you have to get paid when off. And you only qualify for fmla (national law) if you have been with the company for 1 year, worked over 150 hours,  and the company is large enough.  So it is very possible that a part time employee would not qualify.  What state do you live?

[brooke7373]

Also.....I'm a fulltime employee who has only worked at my company for 8 months by the time I deliver. I worked it out with my boss and saved to take time. You have to do what you have to do hun...so make sure you don't lose your job and just work out with your boss what he thinks is reasonable too. It will work out :)

[brooke7373]

Happymommy is right. It varies by state, by company, by how long you've been employed there. It might be every mom's wish that they get more time but sadly that's not reality. At my fulltime job I don't get any type of leave. I had to save my money to take unpaid time off and can only get 4 weekS. Those who were able to get more are super lucky...but remember not every one and their job offer the same things. It's sad but just reality.

[happybaby2015]

http://www.babycenter.com/0_maternity-leave-the-basics_449.bc

[happybaby2015]

Maternity leave, short term disability, & FMLA laws vary by state & the size of the company.

[TaninsMommy]

I work seasonal and I will receive maternity leave. It has nothing to with work. Its your right as a mom to receive at least 6 weeks worth of pay after birth. Check with your doctor, you might be able to get disability a month before your due date. My Dr put me on disability when I turned 7 months however I have sever back and hip pain and it hurts to walk or stand. I wish you luck. May I ask what state are you in?

[rod3]

I was part time amd recieved all federal laws.

[brooke7373]

Part time/temp/seasonal employees that are not benefits elligible do not necessarily get any time especially if you've been there less than 1 year. I work in a law office and have become far too familiar with national and state laws. Sorry hunm just work it out with your bossbpike I didm he seems reasonable.

[rod3]

Us law stats that you can recieve 30 days (6wks) of disability leave. Paid at 55percent.that is all you will get with jobs without benefits unless you use vaca/sick.  Us law staes your employer has to allow you to breast feed for 15min. Even as a part-time. Every 4hrs a 15min break...and it does not mean in a restroom

[rod3]

It is federal law...even with no benefits

[laurarj26]

Hold on so in the US you don't even get a statutory maternity pay?

[kfw6293]

U can get it at walmart or any health stores like GNC. Only thing I just found out if u have thyroid problems don't take it

[Laurah4685]

Where do you find fenugreek?  I am a future and past breastfeeding mom and o guess I never heard of such a thing.

[camerinj]

with my second, I only took nine days off work (teacher) and successfully breastfed my son for sixteen months before I.found out I was expecting twins.
just pump between feedings, take fenugreek to boost your supply, and you can do it! good luck!

[Franchybaby]

I say listen to your husband and take the 3 months.  Truste your not gonna want to leave that new born baby to soon.  I had to go back to work after a month and a half and I kinda regret it Caz I didn't feel I bonded enough with my baby at the time.  

[altmorena]

I'm  the same as you, part time, no benefits  but they are really nice, but I don't  think  they will wait for me for than 2 months

[ftm502]

I would say at least six weeks. Best wishes.

[starryeyes0784]

It's a seasonal/part time job. I get no benefits including maternity leave.

[beckyMH]

Your boss isn't allowed to dictate to you how long you have off as long as it's with the statutory maternity leave time. Look into maternity pay as you will be entitled to it and see how long you can afford to have off with the pay xx