@thematernityguru: And no, your employer is probably not going to explain this to you step-by-step. That’s why so many women: • go out too late • go back too early • or leave thousands of dollars (and weeks of time) on the table Here’s how it actually works 👇🏼 In California, maternity leave is made up of multiple benefits that stack together—not just one. First, you have State Disability Insurance (SDI) before and after birth. You can typically go out at 36 weeks pregnant, and those weeks are use it or lose it (and yes, they’re paid). After delivery, you’ll continue on SDI for recovery: • 6 weeks for vaginal delivery • 8 weeks for C-section And if you’re not ready to go back at that point either physically or mentally, then you can request an extension through your doctor. This is where a lot of moms get it wrong: extending your disability does NOT take away your bonding time. And you still get paid during an extension! Once you’re cleared, you then transition into Paid Family Leave (PFL): • up to 8 additional weeks paid • same pay rate as SDI • can be taken all at once or intermittently When you strategically stack all of this together, that’s how you get close to 7 months of paid, job-protected time off. And depending on your employer, you may also be able to layer in: • PTO • sick time • short term disability • or company benefits The system isn’t simple, but it is powerful when you know how to use it. The Maternity Guru helps moms take up to 7 months of paid, job-protected time off when welcoming a new baby into the world 🤍 If you feel confused, download my free starter guide—link in my bio. Save this so you can come back to it when you’re planning your leave! 👶🏻✨ #thematernityguru #maternityleave #paidfamilyleave #newparents #pregnacytips

The Maternity Guru

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Friday 27 March 2026 21:44:58 GMT