
Your maternity leave and maternity pay checklist
Your maternity leave and maternity pay checklist
It might seem a while away, but once you’ve made your pregnancy announcement, it’s a good idea to begin maternity leave preparations and find out if you’re entitled to maternity pay. Here’s a maternity leave checklist to help.
Checklist
- Tell your boss your big news. It may vary depending on where you live, but you normally need to let them know by week 25 at the latest.
- Find out if there’s anyone else you need to tell at work. In some companies there are HR reps who can help.
- Ask for a risk assessment in your workplace, things like your workstation and posture may be looked at, as well as exposure to any chemicals.
- Ask your healthcare provider (HCP) about when to get a maternity certificate. The timing and process may vary in different countries and with different HCPs.
- Ask your HCP how the maternity certificate works and who to show it to.
- Think about how long to take off before your little one arrives — you may be able to start your maternity leave before your child is born, depending on which country you’re in.
- Consider how long to take off after your little one arrives — there may be a minimum amount of time required, depending on where you live in the world and what you do as a job.
- Work out how much maternity leave is affordable based on maternity pay available.
- Compare how much daycare will cost versus your salary.
- Consider when the best end date for work is.
- Think about when the best return date to work is.
- Speak to colleagues who have been on maternity leave before for advice.
- Ask about any return to work bonuses that may be offered.
- Consider paternity leave and shared leave, if it’s available where you live.
- Check eligibility for shared leave. If it’s limited, how about dad settles the little one into daycare for two weeks so mom can ease back into work smoothly?
- Ask about keeping-in-touch days, or ‘KIT’ days, if your work offers them.
- Now you’ve got that admin out of the way, you can reward yourself with a fun task — children’s names?! See our checklist for ideas.
Related articles

10 Early Signs of Pregnancy
For the young families who are planning for pregnancy, it can be an exciting challenge and experience to look forward to.
Danial Ahmad, Author
4 mins to read

Stay-healthy menu planner
Moderately active? Aim for around 2000 calories a day and choose servings from the five food groups to set yourself up for a healthy pregnancy.
Danial Ahmad, Author
1 min to read

Getting your child's nursery ready
Preparing your child’s nursery is a fun job to do before your bundle of joy arrives. Here’s a nursery list to help get them settled in at home.
Shen-Li Tan
2 mins to read

What to pack in your hospital bag
Time to think about what to pack for your new child — including that special going-home outfit — and for yourself, as well as what you might need for breastfeeding.
Shen-Li Tan
3 mins to read

Working mom woes? Follow our tips for going back to work after giving birth
If your family finances demand that you’re to become a working mom, you’re more than likely planning your return to work while navigating a rollercoaster of emotions — from feeling guilty and anxio
3 mins to read

Children’s names help
Need children’s names inspiration? Here comes the fun bit! You may already have a favourite, or perhaps you’re waiting until you meet junior face-to-face.
2 mins to read

How to emotionally prepare for parenthood before becoming a mom
Amazing news! You’re expecting your first child. But what can you do to emotionally prepare for parenthood?
3 mins to read

Planning a diaper party checklist
A new arrival is definitely an excuse for a party. Whether friends or family are planning a diaper party for you, or you’re doing it yourself, here are some diaper party ideas to get you started.
2 mins to read

How to Cope with First Trimester Anxiety
Suffering from first trimester anxiety? You’re not alone, 1 in 10 pregnant women experience this pregnancy symptom in their first trimester. Here’s how to keep the feelings under control.
2 mins to read

7 Changes During Pregnancy
You lament, “I’m not myself anymore!” With a blossoming belly, comes crazy physical changes.
4 mins to read

Am I ready to give birth? Signs of labour checklist
You probably think it’ll be obvious when you go into labour, but it isn’t always what you see in the movies. Here are a few signs of labour to look out for.
Danial Ahmad, Author
1 min to read

The 6 Best Apps for Couples in Pregnancy Mode
We’ve tracked down 6 apps to help you and your partner make the most out of this exciting stage in your life.
1 min to read

Feed your future family
Eating well before you conceive can help your future child have the best possible start in life. Here’s how to get some of the essential vitamins and minerals you need for a healthy pregnancy.
Danial Ahmad, Author
4 mins to read

Questions to ask at your first prenatal appointment
Your very first prenatal appointment is here — you must be excited! With so much going on, it helps to have a list of pregnancy questions on hand to ask your healthcare provider.
2 mins to read

Pregnancy Exercises to Help You Keep Fit
Pregnancy doesn’t mean you have to be stuck to the bed or the couch.
3 mins to read

IVF Treatment: Everything You Need to Know
It used to be that when you couldn’t have a child, you would just have to live with that. However, the modern couple has some options available to them.
Danial Ahmad, Author
6 mins to read

Working out your birth plan
Giving birth is less daunting if you have an easy birth plan in mind to help the day go as smoothly as possible. See our birth plan guide below.
2 mins to read

Signs of Baby blues vs postpartum depression
Wondering how to know if I have postnatal depression? You’ve just birthed a human, your whole has been turned upside down, and you haven’t slept for what feels like an age.
5 mins to read

8 Ways A Pregnant Mother Should Be Preparing For Childbirth
Every pregnant mother wants to prepare as much as possible so that when she gives birth, it goes as smoothly as possible.
Danial Ahmad, Author
4 mins to read
Related tools
Ovulation calendar
Determine when you are likely to ovulate can improve your chances of conceiving.
Pregnancy week
Find out what changes you can expect in your body, your emotions, your life and your little one.