In this episode, Laurel Bandy discusses the importance of maternity leave and how to prepare for balancing motherhood and career. She highlights the lack of federal paid leave in the United States and the varying policies of employers and states. Laurel provides advice on preparing for maternity leave, including researching state and employer programs, communicating with HR, and planning for childcare. She also discusses the options for returning to work after maternity leave, such as phased returns, flexible work hours, job sharing, and teleworking. Laurel emphasizes the need for paid family leave and the impact of maternity leave on the wage gap.

CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Background of Maternity Leave 06:35 Preparing for Maternity Leave: Researching Programs and Planning for Childcare 13:41 Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: Phased Returns and Flexible Work Arrangements 26:55 Childcare Options and Considerations 32:25 Recommended Resources: Ina May Gaskin's Books

RESOURCES Your Baby, Your Child - Penelope Ina May's Guide to Childbirth Links from Laurel: https://bipartisanpolicy.org/explainer/state-paid-family-leave-laws-across-the-u-s/

https://www.eeoc.gov/pregnancy-discrimination

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/oasam/civil-rights-center/internal/policies/pregnancy-discrimination

https://www.penguin.com.au/books/your-baby-and-child-9780241562659

https://www.penguin.com.au/books/ina-mays-guide-to-childbirth-9780091924157