Get Ready for Baby: The Essential Maternity Leave Checklist

Essential Maternity Leave Checklist: Get Ready for Baby

There’s much to consider as your due date approaches. The anticipation is growing, but let’s face it — there’s a considerable amount of stress, too. You’re also getting ready to give birth yourself. You’re also figuring out how to go from full-time work to maternity leave. And if you’re like most moms, you want everything in your life to be squared away well in advance, so you can focus on being at home with your newborn without having to concern yourself with the dirty work end of things.

Prepare for your new arrival with our essential maternity leave checklist. Stay organized and stress-free during this special time. Here’s the deal: you don’t get maternity leave overnight. Planning, preparation, and good organization must take place. So if you’re feeling a bit nervous about how to get everything in place, do not fear. This guide of maternity leave checklist comes to life, so you can empower yourself and start focusing more on what really matters, bonding with your baby and your new life.

Know Your Maternity Leave Rights

The first step is knowing your rights and benefits. You’ll have to ask your employer about your maternity leave policy. Are you entitled to paid sick leave? How much time off are you entitled to take? Do you have to apply for short-term disability or family leave? The details are important to understand. You don’t want to be blindsided when it’s time to leave.

There is such a special sweetness in being able to participate in creation.

Pamela S. Nadav

Put Together a Leave Plan with Your Employer

Maternity leave — especially unpaid leave — can hit hard to your finances if you aren’t prepared. In October, review your budget, and adjust as needed. Do you have enough savings to cover your expenses? If not, maybe try to tuck away a little money before your due date. Consider whether you might be eligible for any paid family leave benefits or state disability (as well as FMLA, if applicable, if you work for a big employer). Get your finances in order so that you’re not worrying about money when you should be worrying about your baby.

Schedule Your Work Before You Leave

Let’s be honest: Work doesn’t just hit the pause button when you go on maternity leave. There’s some unfinished business you’ll need to address before you leave. Write down everything you have on your plate: your tasks, projects and deadlines. Get everything in order so your team or successor can continue where you leave off. Let your coworkers know what you plan to do, and make sure they have what they need. You might also create a document that captures key contacts and steps on how to handle tasks when you’re away.

Get Your Work Environment Ready for Your Return

Lastly, take steps to make things easier for you when you return. While that may feel far away, a little planning can make the return to work a little easier. You should consider putting in place any tools or systems to make your return as smooth as possible. You could also leave a to-do list of matters that need addressing when you return. Taking even this small step guarantees you’ll have a smoother return to work after your vacation time.

Turn on your out-of-office message

That’s a small detail, but don’t forget to put up an out-of-office email message before you leave. Ensure it contains your leave dates and that people contact the relevant office in your absence. An effective out-of-office message lets people know what they can expect, and it makes sure that nothing falls through the cracks while you’re gone.

Get Your Health Insurance and Benefits Sorted Out

Maternity leave could affect your health insurance and other benefits. Check with your HR department to make sure that your health insurance will remain in force during your time off. And know how your coverage (such as dental or vision) will change. Don’t wait until the last minute to sort these details out — you want to be able to comprehend everything long before your leave begins.

Designate a Birth Plan and Discuss It

Your birth plan is one of the most important documents you’ll need. This is like a plan of how you want your birth to process, from labor through pain management and post-delivery care. Let your OB/GYN and your support team know about this plan in advance. That way, they’re all primed to support your wishes, and you’ll feel more confident going into labor.

Pack Your Hospital Bag Early

Hospital bags don’t just pack themselves. Don’t wait to the last minute. Begin collecting all the things you’ll need for your hospital stay. Pack things for labor (such as comfortable clothing, snacks and music) but also for after delivery (like toiletries, a phone charger and clothes for your baby). You do not want to be scrambling at the final minute while you are in labor.

Organize Your Childcare After Your Leave

You’re likely considering care for your baby, and that includes some form of childcare after your maternity leave ends. Whether that’s daycare, a nanny or a family member, the arrangements will need to be made far in advance. You want to make sure everything is in a row so you can get back to work comfortably. If returning right away isn’t feasible for you, discuss with your employer options such as extended leave or flexible hours.

Stay in Touch with Your Team (But Don’t Go Overboard)

Don’t be impossible and stay in touch with your coworkers on maternity leave but don’t overdo it. And set boundaries so that you can just be with your baby. Be sure to keep your team posted on when you’ll return, and if an urgent matter arises, feel free to check in. But maternity leave should be a time to rest and recover.

Give Yourself Airtime to Rest

It’s easy to overlook that, but it’s key: Rest. You have a lot to do, and although it’s easy to get lost in preparation for your leave, please don’t forget to take care of you! Whether it’s a nap, a walk, or a good book, allow yourself to chill out before your baby comes. It’s going to help you revive yourself and prepare for the challenges (and joys) in store.

Bringing It Home: You Can Do It, Mama!

The transition to maternity leave is a major one. It’s exhilarating, it’s daunting, and it’s a big life change. But with the right preparation, you can tackle the next chapter with confidence. There’s no need to scramble at the last minute; plan ahead. With this maternity leave checklist, you’ll feel organized, supported, and ready to enjoy the time with your newborn free from any unneeded stress.
So, take a deep breath. You’ve got this, mama. Take it easy when preparing and just your get-all-readiness will fall into place.