| The birth of a child is a joyful time, but it is also a | | | | bonding with your baby. It is worth the time and effort |
| stressful, tiring time for the new parents. Today, more | | | | to be proactive in gathering all the information about |
| than ever before, society and the workplace | | | | the available to your family. |
| understand the needs of parents with a newborn. | | | | You should have no difficulties receiving your benefits, |
| Flexible maternity leaves and medical benefits are | | | | if all the arrangements and paperwork is filed and |
| available to both the father and mother of the | | | | approved before you leave. The Human Resources |
| newborn. | | | | Dept. of most companies is very helpful, and will |
| Many women are not the glowing mothers-to-be you | | | | answer any questions you have regarding your |
| read about in parenting magazines. Many of them are | | | | benefits. They will also advise you as to the best way |
| sick, tired, and feeling a little low because of all the | | | | to receive all the benefits you are entitled to. |
| personal changes happening in their lives. They | | | | Some companies give up to a year maternity leave |
| continue to work, getting more tired each day. Many of | | | | depending on how long you worked, while others only |
| them have to request work that will not keep them on | | | | twelve weeks. You then have to decide if you are |
| their feet all day, or put a physical strain on them. | | | | going to stay at home with your baby the entire time |
| Eventually, the pregnancy and the burden of work are | | | | or return to work before the maternity leave is up. |
| too much for many women. They will take maternity | | | | Many companies also offer training for mother's who |
| leave early, giving up extra income or time they could | | | | may want to work from home, or work a couple of |
| have accrued. If you find yourself in this situation, be | | | | days from home. This is a great chance to spend |
| sure you file all the necessary paperwork before you | | | | more time with your baby and still receive benefits and |
| go on maternity leave. Be aware of the actual benefits | | | | pay. The father should also be aware of parental |
| your company offers because they can differ from | | | | benefits. Fathers can often take leave from work to |
| company to company. Any mistakes about the | | | | spend some time at home after the birth of the baby. |
| reasons you left work or missing paperwork could | | | | This way, both parents can enjoy the baby together, |
| mean the loss of benefits for months after your baby | | | | sharing in the responsibilities and the fun of a newborn. |
| is born. | | | | Nothing can beat those first few months at home with |
| The last thing you need when preparing for your baby | | | | your new, little baby. Enjoy each other to the fullest, |
| is financial worries. This is a time to be with you | | | | bonding, nurturing, and enjoying the precious time you |
| newborn, resting, getting your strength back, and | | | | have together. |