When is it okay to call the stork?

I thought this picture was cute

Most jobs have a probationary period before you earn the benefit of parental leave. The employer can be contacted directly or they have the info in an updated handbook given when you start. Find out what that time period is, but everyone always knows you can't control nature when it makes the decision for you.

In terms of thinking about your boss, coworkers, etc. I would say a year. However, if one is older and doesn’t have that time to wait, you can’t put life on hold for others!

View Quoted Comment Okay Michele, thanks for the feedback.

View Quoted Comment Hi Chrysta! Thanks for your honest feedback.

Well, I personally don't think it is up to your boss or anyone else to decide. But I would consider their maternity leave policy. I started a few job in March right before Covid started and my boss called me into his office after about three weeks because he was concerned because I'm a young married woman that I might want to have children. The company had no policy handbook so there was no way for me to know the rules about maternity leave, sick leave, etc. I was completely put off by the conversation. Employers aren't supposed to discriminate against someone if they choose to have a child. However, he made it very clear that he didn't think having children with starting a new job was a good idea and seemed to think he could dictate that decision. What made me even more upset was a fellow male co-worker had gotten married only a few months before me and he never pulled that co-worker aside to ask him his plans if he were to have a child. While yes I understand as a woman, I would be the one carrying the child, but not all women choose to leave work just because she has a baby. In fact, one of my best friend's who is a man said when he has a baby he will actually be the one to stay home with the child. I ended up loosing my job a few weeks after this conversation and he claimed it was because of Covid, but they had also just hired a few other employees so I'm not necessarily sure I believe their reasoning.

View Quoted Comment Okay thank you! So sorry to hear about the way you were treated.

I think as long as you are out of the probationary period and are covered under maternity leave then that's all that matters! If you have a good boss and good co-workers they should be very understanding of your want to start a family.

So technically if you were to get pregnant after three months of being at a job, under FMLA you would be able to take job protected leave after one year so the timing would add up. But that would be unpaid so you’d have to have a job that pays maternity leave. I could reallly get started on this topic, it boils my blood how women even have to ask this question but a man could have a baby immediately after starting a job and no one bats an eye. When I do het pregnant, I will try to make sure I’ve been at my job for at least three months but beyond that I’m not going to worry too much. It’s very illegal for them to fire you if they don’t like that you’re pregnant

I think whenever you're ready. Your boss or coworkers have no bearing over your life especially when you're considering starting a family.

View Quoted Comment Thanks Ally, Yes, it is frustrating! Then I feel guilty because I've been so brainwashed to put career first!!!

View Quoted Comment Thank you for your honest and polite feedback, Apryl.

View Quoted Comment Well career is important but so is starting a family if that is what you want for yourself. Most jobs wouldnt hesitate to replace their employees in a heartbeat, thats what I always tell myself

View Quoted Comment You are right, Ally. Thanks for your feedback.

There is a lot to consider; does your employer have a maternity leave scheme? if so, do you have to be employed by that employer for a particular period of time to have the benefit of the scheme? do you have government benefits you are entitled to? if so, what do you need to do to obtain the benefits? is it your dream job that you can see yourself working in post children? are you happy with your pay?

For me personally, I would want to spend at least 6-12 months getting the hang of the new job, deciding how much I love it, if I can manage the commute, if my responsibilities are reasonable and prone to change etc before trying to conceive. I would not want to fall pregnant shortly after starting a new job just to realise that it's nothing like I expected (long term) or would not be manageable with children.

View Quoted Comment Okay that's a lot of valid things to consider. Thanks for your feedback.

View Quoted Comment

While it definitely sucks that I'm unemployed, I'm glad I don't have to work for those jerks anymore.

Do what you think is right & when you’re ready to have a child. After the probationary period is over & your insurance has kicked in. Check the company policy book. I work at a hospital, scheduling patients & checking benefits. If you can get pregnant then have your baby the beginning of the year (January-March) more than likely your deductible/max out of pocket will be met for the year.

View Quoted Comment Yes, I agree. Wishing you the best of luck.

View Quoted Comment Okay thanks Michelle, for your feedback.