Do Weekends Count For Maternity Leave?

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Maternity leave is calculated as 14 weeks from the date of the working mom’s departure, including public holidays and weekends. It should be availed of in a continuous and uninterrupted manner, inclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Maternity leave is counted in calendar days and includes any non-working days, rest days, and public holidays that fall during that period.

In some countries, such as India, it is mandatory to provide at least 26 weeks (or 182 days) of paid maternity leave. Employees can interrupt their parental leave to take maternity leave, but they cannot have several successive parental leave periods. Maternity leave benefits are leave credits extended to covered female employees who may want to use them during their pregnancy and even after their delivery.

Maternity leave benefits are leave credits extended to covered female employees who may want to use them during their pregnancy and even after their delivery. Legally, you don’t need to tell your employer of your pregnancy and intend to take maternity leave until the 15th week before your baby is due, which is when you’re about 26.

Maternity leave benefits are leave credits extended to covered female employees who may want to use them during their pregnancy and even after their delivery. You get 480 working hours off, with holidays and weekends not counting unless it’s your normal tour of duty.

When combined with parental leave, you can receive a total of 20 weeks of paid leave. If a non-work date occurs during your 6 weeks of parental leave, it is included within that time frame and holidays. As per law, no company can prohibit you from taking maternity leave if you have served a minimum of 80 days (including weekend holidays).

When taking maternity leave in a block period, it includes any non-working days, rest days, and public holidays that fall during that period. If an employee gets 8 weeks of 7 days (counting weekends) or 8 weeks of 5 days (workdays only), they are eligible for maternity leave as long as they have already received 80 days pay irrespective of sundays and holidays in between.

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📹 Maternity Leave Expectations vs Reality!

This video compares the YouTuber’s expectations for maternity leave with the reality of caring for a newborn. They discuss their social life, relationship with their partner, and work-life balance, highlighting the challenges and joys of this period. The video also includes insights into their experience with childcare and the impact of the weather.


What Are Maternity Leave Laws
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What Are Maternity Leave Laws?

Maternity leave laws in the United States vary significantly across federal and state levels. The primary federal law governing maternity leave is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which entitles eligible employees to up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for family and medical reasons. While FMLA sets a baseline, many states have their own maternity leave laws offering additional benefits, such as paid family leave and extended leave durations. Despite these provisions, the U. S. stands out among 41 other countries, lacking any mandated paid leave for new parents. For comparison, Estonia leads with 86 weeks of paid leave.

In states like California, Rhode Island, and New Jersey, there are active policies that support paid maternity leave. Most U. S. employees are entitled to take 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the FMLA. Some companies may offer additional benefits, including paid leave, but these vary. It's essential to note that caregiving leave may also encompass maternity and paternity leave. Overall, this comprehensive overview illustrates the intricate landscape of maternity leave laws across the U. S., emphasizing the disparity in benefits and protections for new parents.

Does Maternity Leave Include Rest Days And Public Holidays
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Does Maternity Leave Include Rest Days And Public Holidays?

Maternity leave, when taken as a block, includes all non-working days, rest days, and public holidays within that period. Typically, maternity leave lasts for 16 weeks, equating to 112 days (7 days a week for 16 weeks). While the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides 12 weeks of unpaid leave, several states, including California, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington, offer paid family leave options that encompass maternity leave.

The U. S. Department of Labor characterizes maternity leave as time off for parental care of a child. Despite the absence of federal paid maternity leave, states like California are recognized for their extensive family leave policies, providing 52 weeks of disability plus 12 weeks of paid family leave. Women planning for maternity leave should understand their entitlements, including how to utilize sick days, vacation, and short-term disability during this time.

It's important to note that while holidays may overlap with the maternity leave period, company policies can vary regarding their inclusion in the leave time. Employers typically require employees to coordinate leave meticulously to maximize benefits and ensure compliance with state laws, which can be intricate and varied across jurisdictions. Maternity leave is essential for a mother’s recovery and adjustment post-childbirth or adoption.

Does Maternity Pay Have To Start On A Sunday
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Does Maternity Pay Have To Start On A Sunday?

To determine your maternity pay entitlement, first identify your expected week of childbirth, defined as the week of your estimated due date, and your qualifying week, both of which run from Sunday to Saturday. The U. S. notably lacks any mandated paid parental leave, unlike countries such as Estonia, which offers 86 weeks. For bonding with a new child—through birth, adoption, or fostering—employees may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under federal law, specifically the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which protects this time for qualifying employees.

While some employers provide paid leave, many rely on accrued paid time off (PTO). The FMLA guarantees unpaid leave but does not require paid maternity leave, leaving the decision to individual states, with only a few like California, Rhode Island, and New Jersey providing active paid maternity policies.

Maternity leave typically begins 11 weeks before the due date, and you must notify your employer of your intended start date. If your baby is born prematurely or if you're sick, your leave may begin sooner. Statutory Maternity Leave lasts 52 weeks, but a minimum of 2 weeks must be taken post-birth. It's essential to understand your company's policies and state laws to effectively utilize your maternity leave.

How Long Before The Due Date Should I Start Maternity Leave
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How Long Before The Due Date Should I Start Maternity Leave?

You may commence your maternity leave any day from 11 weeks before your expected due date. Your leave may start earlier if your baby arrives ahead of schedule or if you have pregnancy-related illness during the last month. Some mothers prefer to work until their due date to maximize their maternity leave following the baby's arrival, while others opt for a predetermined last working day to rest or set up remote work arrangements.

The earliest maternity leave typically begins 11 weeks prior to the due date, which falls during the seventh to eighth month of pregnancy. However, many mothers find they need more time with their newborn.

Maternity leave duration varies based on individual benefits and personal finances, ranging from just a few days to longer periods. According to the FMLA, which provides eligible parents with 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, you can start your leave prior to the baby’s arrival for various reasons, including prenatal appointments or complications. Planning for maternity leave should ideally happen around six months before the baby's birth, requiring discussions with your employer about your due date.

Typically, some individuals take leave a week or two before their due dates due to discomfort or the desire to prepare. Most women are recommended to take at least four weeks off for recovery and bonding with the newborn, aligning with the recommendation for paid leave policies that protect job status.

Do You Get Holidays On Maternity Leave
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Do You Get Holidays On Maternity Leave?

Durante a licença maternidade, as férias continuam a ser acumuladas, o que significa que você pode adicionar esse tempo ao final da licença ou receber o pagamento correspondente se não retornar ao trabalho. Não é possível tirar férias ou receber pagamento de férias durante a licença, mas é viável combinar com o empregador para usufruir das férias antes ou depois do período de licença. É obrigatório que o empregador permita que a totalidade do direito a férias seja contabilizada fora do período de licença maternidade.

A licença parental paga (PPL) pode ser solicitada por até 12 semanas por nascimento ou colocação, desde que o funcionário mantenha o papel parental. As empresas não são obrigadas a pagar férias durante a licença médica familiar (FMLA), mas muitos empregadores optam por conceder esse benefício. As férias são consideradas direitos separados e você tem direito a ambas, desde que a licença maternidade não impeça a acumulação de dias. Se sua licença exceder o ano fiscal, a contagem de férias pode ser afetada.

Por fim, os direitos a férias são geralmente dependendo da política da empresa e da legislação local, podendo variar de acordo com a localização e o tipo de emprego. Bibliografia e estatísticas sobre benefícios de licença estão disponíveis para consulta.

Is Maternity Leave Unpaid
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Is Maternity Leave Unpaid?

In the U. S., the only federal law ensuring maternity leave is unpaid and applies selectively to some employees. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is the primary legislation granting up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for many workers, which includes maintaining group health benefits during this period. Workers can use FMLA leave concurrently with any employer-provided paid leave. Unfortunately, unlike in many countries, the U. S.

lacks a federal mandate for paid maternity leave; the responsibility falls to individual states. Only California, Rhode Island, and New Jersey currently have paid leave policies. While the FMLA protects against job loss, about 40% of women do not qualify for its provisions. Maternity leave typically combines various forms of benefits including sick leave, vacation, and short-term disability. It’s critical for expectant mothers to understand their rights, plan how to use personal time off, consider purchasing disability insurance, and prepare adequately for their unpaid leave. The average company offers 8 weeks of paid maternity leave, but this is not federally mandated.

How Do You Count Maternity Leave
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How Do You Count Maternity Leave?

The counting of maternity leave starts from childbirth and lasts consecutively for 105 days, including weekends and holidays. Maternity leave is regarded as full-time work, similar to vacation time. Eligible employees may take 12 workweeks of FMLA leave within a year, and 26 weeks for military caregiver leave. FMLA leave can be used for the birth or placement of a child for adoption, among other qualifying reasons. The typical length of maternity leave is around 12 weeks, though eligibility varies.

Paid family leave policies allow workers to receive wage replacements during extended leaves for qualifying reasons. Various states, including California, New Jersey, and New York, offer paid family leave programs beyond the federal FMLA's provisions. Maternity leave is a critical period for new mothers to recover and bond with their newborns. It is distinct from standard PTO as it often has a defined duration and is governed by specific laws. Employees must have worked at least 12 months and 1, 250 hours in the previous year to qualify for FMLA leave.

Federal regulations stipulate a minimum of 12 weeks of unpaid leave, with additional allowances for maternity disability leaves. Understanding these policies can help plan effectively for maternity leave.

How Soon Before Your Due Date Should You Start Maternity Leave
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How Soon Before Your Due Date Should You Start Maternity Leave?

Standard Recommendation suggests that women commonly start maternity leave about 4 to 6 weeks before their due dates, allowing time for rest and baby preparations. Health considerations may require high-risk pregnancies to commence leave earlier, even as soon as 11 weeks prior. Employers must be notified of the intended start date no later than 15 weeks before the due date. The timing for maternity leave is personal; from medical advice to workplace policies, each situation is unique.

Some opt to work until labor begins to maximize time with their newborn post-birth. Maternity leave should be planned approximately six months in advance, with essential discussions with employers regarding the expected due date. Under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), maternity leave can start any time during pregnancy for issues like severe morning sickness or prenatal appointments, offering up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. The FMLA ensures job protection during this time.

Leave duration varies greatly: women can take anywhere from a few days to a year, depending on available benefits, while the average is around 10 weeks for U. S. women. The latest maternity leave start date aligns with the due date specified on the Maternity Certificate, emphasizing the need for effective planning and communication with employers.

How Many Days A Week Is Maternity Leave
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How Many Days A Week Is Maternity Leave?

Maternity leave, taken in a block period, encompasses non-working days, rest days, and public holidays. Typically, maternity leave lasts 16 weeks, which is equivalent to 112 days when calculated as 7 days a week. During this time, it covers both prenatal and postnatal leave—commonly beginning four weeks before the due date and extending 12 weeks postpartum. Various countries have different regulations regarding maternity leave; for instance, Germany and Switzerland mandate a minimum of 14 weeks, while Poland and Luxembourg extend it to 20 weeks, and in some places, like Costa Rica, it's four months divided into 1 month prenatal and 3 months postnatal.

Commonly, mothers in the U. S. average a 10-week absence after childbirth, while statutory maternity leave can extend up to a year, with a minimum of two weeks required after delivery. For fathers, paternity leave is also available, but whether it is paid or unpaid varies by employer. Overall, maternity leave policies are designed to ensure that mothers can take necessary time off work during critical periods surrounding childbirth, with additional stipulations for carrying over unused leave days. All expectant mothers must explore their entitlement for maternity leave, including eligibility for statutory maternity pay (SMP).

Can You Start Maternity Leave On A Saturday
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Can You Start Maternity Leave On A Saturday?

Maternity leave can commence on any day of the week, aligning with the date an employee begins their leave. Statutory maternity pay is available regardless of whether the employee plans to return to work after maternity leave. Statutory Maternity Leave may start as early as 11 weeks prior to the week of the baby's due date, or automatically if the employee has a pregnancy-related illness in the four weeks leading up to the due date. Employees can initiate their maternity leave upon giving birth or on their due date, whichever is later.

A company’s assertion that maternity leave can only start on a Monday is incorrect; employees can choose any day for their leave. For claim purposes, Employment Insurance (EI) may have specific weekly pay cycles, but this does not restrict the starting day for maternity leave itself.

While women may desire to work right until labor starts for extended time with their child, a medical professional may advise taking leave earlier. The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave federally, but some states offer paid family leave. Maternity leave automatically begins on the birth date, with scenarios in which leave begins the next business day if birth occurs on a weekend.

Thus, while planning for maternity leave, it's essential to know the federal laws and specific company policies, including any applicable disability benefits, to utilize the available leave time effectively.


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Freya Gardon

Hi, I’m Freya Gardon, a Collaborative Family Lawyer with nearly a decade of experience at the Brisbane Family Law Centre. Over the years, I’ve embraced diverse roles—from lawyer and content writer to automation bot builder and legal product developer—all while maintaining a fresh and empathetic approach to family law. Currently in my final year of Psychology at the University of Wollongong, I’m excited to blend these skills to assist clients in innovative ways. I’m passionate about working with a team that thinks differently, and I bring that same creativity and sincerity to my blog about family law.

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21 comments

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  • As one person that did not interact with friends after they had a baby: I honestly did not know how to reach out and thought that I might intrude in their family time so I ended up doing nothing. Was interesting to hear that it felt weird for you! I mean I’m autistic so I’m easier overwhelmed with things like this but I can imagine that the people who say nothing mean well bc they don’t want to intrude

  • I am a friend who goes quiet when my friends have babies. I’m happy to do all the singing and dancing when baby is born and celebrate and meet new baby but if you are a person who does not have children, whether by choice or not, your friendship will change. As a childless friend you often end up doing a lot of the heavy lifting of the friendship, and moving things around to accommodate the new parent, plus the child will always be there and tends to dominate conversation. I find it easier to take a little step back from these friendships while we have less in common – we all only have so much we can give with little in return for such extended periods of time. My birthdays have faded into non-existence and my news has little reception despite making sure those friends know they’re cared about and loved on their birthdays and on other days, remembering their children’s birthdays, asking about milestones, remembering everything that’s gone on for them. As a childless friend we often feel abandoned by new parent friends – I don’t blame the parent friends at all as their lives have changed, but in order to keep myself mentally well sometimes I need to take a step back. However – this is just my personal experience and I realise it doesn’t apply to all new parents! (of course I don’t apply my ‘method’ to all friends who have babies – this is just how it’s gone for me in recent times where my friends have all been having children)

  • Just a note/comment. Those friends that didn’t seem interested/weren’t beating down your door to meet baby. Maybe that’s the case but please do bear in mind that some people just aren’t able to handle it if they are struggling trying to conceive, experiencing infertility or miscarriage. Just a thought. Mid IVF and am dreading meeting new baby in lots of ways because it’s honestly like a guy punch everytime I think about it.

  • I’m sometimes that friend that doesn’t ask much about the baby. For me it comes from some of my own sadness about not having a baby yet. That might sound selfish, but it’s no more so than the person with a baby wanting people to be more interested. Initially I found some of your and another YouTuber I watch pregnancy content hard, but now I’m invested because of the approach you take.

  • I found it extremely disappointing when some of my closest friends, and even family and inlaws, didn’t check in with us in the first few months… I felt like I had gone through something horrendous (birth injury, then PPD), and they didn’t show any interest/care whatsoever. It’s damaged my relationships with them, and I don’t even know how to bring it up with them as it was a year ago now. The upside of all this is that it pushed me to join a mother’s group and I’m SO glad I did – glad you found your kin that way too! ❤

  • I’m defo the radio silence type of friend. It’s not that I’m not interested, it’s more that I feel like a bother? Like, I know and assume that my friends with babies has stuff to do non stop and when they finally have a moment to breathe, they often want to just be with their partner or family or simply enjoy the moment. Even tho I’m a close friend, I don’t want to add to them feeling overwhelmed by all who wants to fit in their schedule. We still meet up quite regularly, like at church or when we friends meet up for a cup of coffee. Getting more time than that feels just selfish of me? At the same time, like when my friend where on maternity leave, home alone, I’d reach out, bc I feel like that easily can get lonely and I’m one of few who have free time during the day. But now, when both parents are back to work, their toddler is just starting daycare and their second is here soon, I choose to not “bother them”.

  • I actually got back in touch with a school friend during lockdown as another school friend was doing riddles on Facebook just to pass the time and have some social interaction that wasn’t her other half or her cat. When me and my friend could meet up she was pregnant, and she loved having company even if it was a quick coffee date at her house. Then when we met up lately (ugh life, work, covid) her son was 8 months old and we went on a bit of a day trip. And I’m always happy to invite her to another baby friendly outing for company/her sanity

  • Relating to the stuff around the 3 minute mark about people not reaching out to you – I would really recommend perusal a article Footless Jo made a few months back titled something like “The day I lost my leg my friend ghosted me” (the title is self-aware clickbaity). It’s really good and helped me understand why some people do that and that it isn’t always something they realise is happening. Might not be perfectly applicable to your current situations but from what you mentioned it might be helpful to watch

  • My mum did so much walking around with me just after I was born. If there was a weighing/baby check at the doctors, I was loaded up and beneath the buggy was recycling my mum wanted to put in the big recycling bins at the park on the way. If my mum was going somewhere, I was coming with and she was walking as much as she could

  • With respect to PIV … it took me almost 9 months to enjoy sex after my first. I had a minor tare, but still, it felt like it was uncomfortable FOREVER. After a few months I chatted with my midwife & some friends (some in the same boat and some on the other side who all felt like it took 6-12 months) and made a plan to make it easier, but it took a while for it to feel better. For my second, I did a lot of pelvic floor pt before baby came to prepare for after & it helped a lot (way more than PFPT after birth helped).

  • I don’t have any kids yet, but my sister and two of our cousins had babies within a few months of each other (like in the first batch of pandemic babies when everyone started getting pregnant working from home). And it’s been interesting because I’m in a group chat with them so I’m getting constant baby/now toddler info during the day. Although it turns out that I have a similar nap schedule as the little ones, so scheduling our get togethers is pretty easy.

  • I totally get the partner resentment about working/ them not taking charge when they are technically available to help in the morning. I honestly have no solution, as I feel like most of the time I just silently seethed about it – but the older my daughter has got, the better the balance has been struck between us. Also, I never wait for him to take initiative anymore, I simply say ”would you rather do X or Y” and that’s helped communication. Also, I totally understand the friends aspect, I’ve lost touch with people I considered extremely close friends, but hoping that it picks up again down the line or maybe when they also have kids!

  • Very interesting! I would also love to hear about your perspective as a parent with a disability, from how that works energy wise and body wise and what you are and aren’t able to do/ need to be mindful of. I remember you once said you never really feel rested anymore since your surgeries and stoma. How does that combine with the initial phases of parenthood/how have you been managing?

  • i loved this! the editing was a bit too “nervous” for my little neurodivergent brain (the frequence of zooming in and out was a bit much). i hope this doesn’t come across as rude and i can handle it still well just listening to it as if it was a podcast 💜 love the new era and looking forward to everything that comes with it.

  • I had my baby in 2015 and remember being so active for the first few months and how SHOCKED everyone was that I was out and about. Once we got into toddler years is actually when I feel it got SO HARD to leave the house and be active with a kiddo. I think about this a lot that the first year is the most sleep deprivation but years 2-5 are REALLY hard to do things with the kiddo coming along. I also used to be an early show up to everything person and then year 2 came along and I had to add so much time in getting ready I was not prepared for to be even remotely on time. I love revisiting these early years through you lately!!

  • I’m so so SO glad you’ve got such great support networks! I have trouble wrapping my head around the full scope of all that might be involved in a major life transition like parenthood, so it warms my chaplain heart to know that you’ve got a good web of people around you. I’m curious: Now that you’re several months in to being a parent, was there anything you were looking forward to that has turned out to be kind of of underwhelming/not your jam? And vice versa: Were there things that you were nervous about that have turned out to be not so bad/better than you expected, kind of like what you were saying here about about being Parent Prime for much of the day? ALSO, how is Mustard?

  • My husband works nights so it’s just me overnight and in the morning with our 2yr old and 3mth old. It’s a lot and I’m finding myself resenting him getting out of the house and when he complains about being tired. I am constantly tired and overstimulated and touched out. Our 2yr old goes to daycare 4 days a week so that is a bit of relief, but he is up at 545 EVERY morning. Our 3mth old has a dairy intolerance so has been fussing A LOT! I feel my self overwhelmed and very resentful of my husbands ability to just get up and go (even though I know he doesn’t want to)

  • Maybe a stupid question – but why couldn’t Dan wake up on some days when Rowan woke up early? We always took turns regardless who was working. we took shared parental leave so I have been both the stay at home partner and the working partner and I have experienced the different challenges that brings, but what has really helped us was to set the rule that the parent on parental leave is ‘on parenting duty’ for exactly as long as the working parent is ‘on work duty’, so when the working parent was working for 8 hours plus commute, the other parent was ‘ solo parenting’ for that time, but the rest of the time we shared the parenting duties

  • Thanks for sharing. I’m assuming child minders are more expensive than nursery, which is leading me to wonder about those single parents who have no other option than to work shortly after giving birth (whether or not they want to), and just wondering if that’s another inequality that mostly affects women, and if any other countries have a better way of managing and supporting maternity, and what thay support looks like. Just thoughts your article has given me.

  • I forget how much I missed out on when I had my daughter in April 2020. No anti-natal classes as they were all cancelled due to lockdown so didn’t have a chance to make any friends. Felt like I was just handed a baby with a “good luck” 😅. And also couldn’t go out anywhere or see anyone for the first few months so it was super isolating as I was inside on my own with a newborn for most of 3 months. Hopefully if/when I have another things will be different.

  • Maternity for me (I’m 8 months pp) Friends don’t bother anymore, went to baby classes but never got close to anyone. Tried the all peanut but that never came of anything but I’m happy with my life and to me, if people want to speak to me / see me and baby they will. If they don’t, it’s their loss not mine

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