The Pre-Pregnancy Paternity Leave Guide

It wasn’t that long ago that the term Paternity Leave was foreign to new dads. Sure we all know that mom gets time off from work to have a baby – but dad too? In this day and time that is certainly a reality.



The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) has made it that employers must allow employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for various medical reasons, including the birth of a child. Of course there are certain conditions and it doesn’t apply to everyone, but for most of you it does.

So you’re thinking a lot of good this does me if I have to take 12 weeks of unpaid leave from work. It will be better for my family if I’m bringing home a paycheck than for me to be around changing diapers for three months. Certainly! You’re right about that. If you have to take the time off unpaid and you need the money from your check to pay bills then the choice is obvious.

But wait – there’s more!

Some employers actually offer PAID paternity leave. No I’m not kidding – it actually exists. I am living proof of it.

I work for a very large corporation and this is one of the benefits offered. This past year it actually went to the full 12 weeks of paid time off – yes up to 12 full weeks of paid time off because of the birth of a child. Many people find this hard to believe; but it is true. I actually only 6 weeks off from work with a full paycheck and benefits.

Paid paternity leave is still not a real common thing, but it is out there and is something that can be used to give you an opportunity to bond with your child and help your wife out around the home while she recovers from her pregnancy.

But before we get ahead of ourselves let’s talk about the things you need to consider.

• Does your employer meet the conditions set by the FMLA?
• Does your employer offer paid Paternity Leave?
• If no paid leave is available will you have vacation time to use?
• How much time should you take from work?

The answer to the last question will be determined based on the answers to the first three. At the least you should plan on taking 2-3 days off while your wife is in the hospital. After that you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of taking time off based on your particular circumstances.

Some other factors will be whether or not you’ll have family staying near by to help out if you go back to work. Remember that for the first couple weeks your wife will not be able to lift anything heavier than the baby or be able to do much driving.

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