159: The Maternity Leave Checklist for Expectant Mothers

Nowadays, it's common for most women to be in the workforce before they embark on motherhood. Once they have decided to expand their families, maternity leave is something that enters their minds. How much time will she have off? How much will be paid or unpaid? What should she prepare for to have a smooth maternity leave? There are a lot of questions, so we had to "chick chat" with Dr. Jessica Madden, a mom of four, a board-certified pediatrician and neonatologist, and an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), her recommendations on how to prepare for maternity leave and what to mothers should add to their maternity leave checklist. Who is Dr. Jessica Madden? Dr. Jessica Madden has been a board-certified pediatrician and neonatologist for over 15 years. She's currently on staff in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, OH. She previously worked in the Boston and Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospitals. In 2018 she started Primrose Newborn Care to provide in-home newborn medicine and lactation support. Dr. Madden is currently the Medical Director at Aeroflow Breastpumps. She also enjoys traveling, yoga, reading, and spending time with her four children. What Did We Discuss? In this episode, we chat with Dr. Madden about the ideal maternity leave checklist for expectant mothers, such as what to discuss with employers and insurance companies, what resources are available during and post-delivery, including lactation support, and more. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation: What is the current landscape of maternity leave in the U.S.?  How important is it for mothers to plan for maternity leave? When should they start? What are the most important things to take into consideration when preparing for maternity leave? And what needs to be on every maternity leave checklist? Can you please explain to us the consequences of limited access to paid or partially paid maternity leave for expecting mothers? Can you provide an overview of resources available for expecting mothers, such as lactation support services, community and online support groups, and educational classes on childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care? How can women involve partners, family members, and even employers in the maternity leave planning process? What are your top recommendations to expectant mothers as they start to plan for their maternity leave and beyond?  Dr. Jessica Madden gave us some incredible insights in this episode, and we are including all of them in our maternity leave checklist, which you can find and download in our SHOW NOTES. Be sure to download it to prepare for your maternity leave successfully! Dr. Madden's Resources Website: aeroflowbreastpumps.com Facebook: @AeroflowBreastpumps Instagram: @aeroflow_breastpumps Pinterest: @aeroflowbp YouTube: @AeroflowBreastpumps Mentioned in the Episode: Nesting Parties Postpartum Plan Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave us a review, and follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat for more content. Cheers to preparing for an amazing maternity leave! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Om Podcasten

Welcome to Chick Chat: The Baby Chick Podcast, your go-to podcast for navigating the crazy, beautiful chaos of pregnancy and motherhood!  We know that pregnancy and motherhood are no joke. While they are miraculous and wonderful, they can also be overwhelming and exhausting. Our baby expert and host, Nina Spears - The Baby Chick, knows this all too well as an experienced baby planner, doula, childbirth and newborn care educator, and mother. On this show, she has real conversations that celebrate the joys, challenges, and everyday triumphs of growing and raising tiny humans while exposing the truths that moms really want to know. From pregnancy tips to parenting hacks, our experts and real-life parents share stories, advice, tips, and laughter to guide you through the thrilling and wild adventure of raising your family. By tuning in to Chick Chat, expect candid discussions on everything from morning sickness and sleepless nights to first steps and parenting styles. You’ll hear expert insights on topics like pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, breastfeeding, formula-feeding, toddler tantrums, baby sleep, potty training, childproofing, self-care for parents, and so much more. Each episode is crafted with love and warmth, creating a village where mothers can find support, knowledge, and a community that understands the complex magic of motherhood. We understand the unique challenges that mothers face, and we’re here to empower moms with knowledge, support, and inspiration along the way! Whether you're a seasoned parent or awaiting the arrival of your little one, Chick Chat is here with the latest parenting trends, timeless advice, and genuine conversations that make you feel right at home. So, take a moment to relax, tune in, and let's “chick chat” about the joys and challenges of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. Subscribe now to ensure you don't miss a single show; visit our website, baby-chick.com, for show notes, and connect with us on Instagram @thebabychickchat to continue the conversation together. Come be part of our growing community of moms supporting moms. Because in the world of motherhood, you deserve the village you’ve always dreamed of!