Is anyone else in the same situation?

After our baby is born, I'll have to go back to work immediately. I don't get any paid time off either. We just can't afford it on one salary right now.

you have to take the 6 weeks of disablity Melissa. or at least 4 weeks. you cannot return the week after birth. your body must recover. it is actual dangerous to your health.
But didn't you know this before you got pregnant?

I work for a govt agency...we dont get paid maternity leave either....we have to have accumualted sick leave or annual leave inorder to have some cash during maternity leave...Govt workers dont get 6 week disabilty

But what about FMLA? Doesn't that cover gov't workers?
Also, state disability is not full pay anyway. It is not very much at all. You can use sick and/or vacation time. Melissa- start looking into daycare now. Do not wait because it takes a while to find a place that you like, plus some have wait lists that you need to get on now. seriously, it is important to do now.
also i have been reading a few books on being a working mom. I highly suggest reading a few. it is helping me learn a lot about it.

That's good that you have the 6 weeks, it's importatn for your health.

The NYS disability coverage ****s, it turns out that it wasn't $170, after they take out some taxes or something it was more like $156 per week. I was so mad when I got that check but I was just thinking that if we didn't have DH's salary I'd have to go back immediately too.

I work for the govt too, and got 6 weeks disability and another 6 of FMLA and used soem vacation time too.

try to see how u can work out taking more time off even if it is unpaid. I know that might be very hard to hear...believe me you will need it.
See if you can bank any comp time, vacation, floating holidays, etc.
talk to your HR dept and have them lay out what u are entitled to ..this depends on the size of the company and how long u have been working there.

take this info, see if u can find out what other companies in your field offers. (this may be difficult, I know)..then take this info and schedule a meeting with your boss and lay out your stratedgy.
They want u to return, I am sure, and it is best to do so when you can give them as close to 100% as possible. see what flexibility your boss may have...
maybe u can go back to work 3 days in office/ 2 days home...even of for a short period of time. maybe u can work a 4 days workweek. U will be paid less, but still have your health ins & other benefits.

u need this time to physically recover from labor...and to bond with baby. this is a life altering experience.
Work, in my opinion, is not. I know the economy ****s, we get taxed to DEATh , homes cost a lot, etc...but all baby needs is a calm momma, good food, and a warm safe place to live in...all the rest can come later

also look into what family members can help out with. when someone says they'd love to help- ask them in what way would they b comfortable helping, what can they offer? ....


hope this helps! I wish u the best of luck...and yES LOOK INTO DAYCARE NOW. (I talk from experience!)