The Maternity Leave Checklist for Expectant Mothers – Podcast Ep 159
Menu
Subscribe Search

The Maternity Leave Checklist for Expectant Mothers – Podcast Ep 159

Dr. Jessica Madden shares with us the ideal maternity leave checklist for expectant mothers, what to discuss with employers, and much more.

Published November 5, 2024

by Nina Spears

The Baby Chick® | Birth & Postpartum Doula, Childbirth Educator, Baby Planner
Share

SpotifyApple Podcasts | TuneInAudible

Nowadays, it’s common for most women to be in the workforce before they embark on motherhood. Once they have decided to expand their families, maternity leave is something that enters their minds. How much time will she have off? How much will be paid or unpaid? What should she prepare for to have a smooth maternity leave? There are a lot of questions, so we had to “chick chat” with Dr. Jessica Madden, a mom of four, a board-certified pediatrician and neonatologist, and an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), her recommendations on how to prepare for maternity leave and what to mothers should add to their maternity leave checklist.

Who is Dr. Jessica Madden?

Dr. Jessica Madden in blue medical scrubs with a stethoscope around their neck smiles while leaning against a table. The room has wooden floors and white tables with black chairs.

Dr. Jessica Madden has been a board-certified pediatrician and neonatologist for over 15 years. She’s currently on staff in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, OH. She previously worked in the Boston and Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospitals. In 2018, she started Primrose Newborn Care to provide in-home newborn medicine and lactation support. Dr. Madden is currently the Medical Director at Aeroflow Breastpumps. She also enjoys traveling, yoga, reading, and spending time with her four children.

What Did We Discuss?

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Madden about the ideal maternity leave checklist for expectant mothers, including what to discuss with employers and insurance companies, as well as the resources available during and after delivery, such as lactation support. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

  • What is the current landscape of maternity leave in the U.S.? 
  • How important is it for mothers to plan for maternity leave? When should they start?
  • What are the most important things to take into consideration when preparing for maternity leave? And what needs to be on every maternity leave checklist?
  • Can you please explain to us the consequences of limited access to paid or partially paid maternity leave for expecting mothers?
  • Can you provide an overview of resources available for expecting mothers, such as lactation support services, community and online support groups, and educational classes on childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care?
  • How can women involve partners, family members, and even employers in the maternity leave planning process?
  • What are your top recommendations to expectant mothers as they start to plan for their maternity leave and beyond? 

Dr. Jessica Madden gave us some incredible insights in this episode, and we are including all of them here in this maternity leave checklist. Be sure to download it to prepare for your maternity leave successfully!

Download Checklist Here

Dr. Madden’s Resources:

Mentioned in the Episode:

Related:

Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave us a review, and follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat for more content. Cheers to preparing for an amazing maternity leave!

We hope you found this episode helpful. If you did and enjoyed it, please subscribe to our podcast, Chick Chat, and leave us an honest review. Links below!

Share
Was this article helpful?
  • Author
Nina Spears with shoulder-length blonde hair is smiling at the camera. They are wearing a maroon top and a thin gold necklace. The background is plain and light-colored.
Nina Spears The Baby Chick® | Birth & Postpartum Doula, Childbirth Educator, Baby Planner
  • Social
  • Social
  • Social
  • Social
  • Social
  • Social
  • Social

Nina Spears is The Baby Chick® and the Founder and CEO of Baby Chick®. She began her career supporting families in 2011 after earning her baby planning certification and attending her first births that same year. Since then, she has earned her birth and postpartum doula certifications from DONA International, her childbirth educator certification from ICEA, her perinatal nutrition expert certification through The Professional Perinatal Nutrition Program, and her infant massage instructor certification from Loving Touch, among others.

Early in her career, one of Nina’s birth doula clients affectionately referred to her as “the baby chick — the ‘chick’ who works with moms and babies.” The nickname stuck and later inspired the creation of Baby Chick, which has grown…

Read full bio

you don’t have to guess

Know What to Do When Labor Starts

Get step-by-step guidance so you feel prepared, supported, and clear on what to do when it matters most.

Baby Chick App
Get Our Free Mom Newsletter