It's Working Project

"I've been with my University employer for 10 years (since I was 24) and we have a fantastic leave and flexibility policy for those with a certain number of years of service."

FOR MOMS: If you breastfed, was there a place for you to pump that met your needs and was conducive to your success? If you breastfed, how did you decide to continue? FOR DADS: What, if any, adjustments did you (or your workplace) make to your schedule after having a baby? Was it specific to your manager or larger, whole work culture?

Hoping to breastfeed for health and convenience.

How much leave did you take, and how comfortable were you taking it?

I am allotted 14 weeks of fully-paid leave, due to 7+ years of service. I negotiated an extra 6 weeks of unpaid leave, which they granted immediately (during unpaid leave, my benefits are still covered by my employer, due to a generous benefits package). My husband, through a combination of paid leave policy and a generous boss, receives 4 weeks of paid leave and 2 weeks of full telecommuting options once the baby arrives.

What was your biggest challenge going back to work?

Managing childcare cost/flexibility and balancing work/life (we both have demanding jobs).

OTHER STORIES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN