Parental leave, money and going back to work

FMLA basics (US)

• Up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for the birth and care of a newborn, adoption or foster placement.
• You must work for a covered employer, have at least 12 months and 1,250 hours there, and the worksite must have 50 or more employees within 75 miles.
• Your group health insurance must continue on the same terms.
• It is unpaid. Check your state's paid family leave program, your employer's policy, and short-term disability, which often covers recovery from birth.
• Confirm all details with HR. Start early (some dads suggest planning by around week 10 of pregnancy).

Both parents

• Consider overlapping leave at first, or staggering it to extend time at home.
• Do not cut leave short to prove loyalty. Find another new parent at work for solidarity.
• Tell your manager early so you can fully disconnect.

Money, simply

• The big early costs are the car seat, a safe sleep space and a stroller. Recurring: diapers, wipes, feeding and childcare. Childcare is usually the largest and most variable cost.
• Check your insurance deductible and out-of-pocket maximum now. Add baby to your plan within the enrollment window (generally 30 days).
• Pause nonessential purchases, pay down high-interest debt if you can, and ask for big items as group gifts.
• Accept hand-me-downs, except cribs and car seats of unknown history.
• Money stress is a risk factor for depression in new parents, so budgeting is also self-care.

Going back to work

Ask about a phased return if you can. Plan your first week: childcare trial run, pump or feeding plan, who gets the call if daycare phones. Feeling torn is normal for almost everyone.

Education, not medical advice. Every baby and every parent is different. Ask your own doctor, midwife or pediatrician about anything specific to you, and call them or emergency services if you are worried. Sources for this guide: US Department of Labor: FMLA; Fatherly: parental leave; NorthShore pediatrician registry tips; Harvard Federal Credit Union and PocketGuard (budgeting figures vary widely; treat as rough). All sources.