Effect of Family Planning on Working Women

Maternity Leave

• The first consideration for many working moms when planning a family is how much maternity leave is offered by her employer and whether it is paid or unpaid. While the Family Medical Leave Act usually guarantees a mom will still have her job after 12 weeks of unpaid leave, mothers must check with their human resources department and find out whether they can also use sick days or vacation days, or if they qualify for maternity leave at all. Some mothers need paid leave or want a longer period of time to stay home with their babies before returning to work and a too-short or unpaid maternity leave can have far-reaching effects on a working mother as she decides how feasible it is to add to her family.

Health Insurance Coverage

• A working mother needs to consider her health insurance coverage when planning a new addition. She will need maternity coverage for herself, but also needs to consider how much it will cost to add a baby to the insurance plan through the employer. Some employers offer a family rate, while others may charge for individuals and cost more per child. A working mom's health insurance rates and coverage will affect her quality of life as she adds to her family, so make sure the employer's plan covers the preferred doctors and specific needs. Health insurance should also cover contraceptives to assist a working mother in planning her family, so she should check to see what her options are in that regard as well.

Vacation and Sick Leave

• Once maternity leave is scheduled, working moms must consider how much vacation and sick leave is offered to them through their employer. Babies and children get sick, but so do moms. A working mom should try to negotiate enough sick days to cover both her own potential illnesses and those of her children, and she should check the policy about using leave days to stay home with the kids. Ask about the policy for taking leave days to participate in your children's school activities once they are old enough as well. Having enough sick and vacation time will affect the family for years to come, so working moms need to be comfortable with their policy as they plan a family.

Schedule

• The work schedule will have an extensive effect on family life, so working mothers much plan their families according to how they can arrange their schedules. Some companies offer flexible schedules, while others necessitate a set schedule. When family planning, working mothers should consider how their work schedule would fit with day care schedules, the father's schedule if applicable, and how that effects their ability to add to their family. Part-time or alternate schedules, such as working four 10-hour days, can often be negotiated, depending upon the job, but that may in turn affect maternity leave, health insurance and vacation time.