Maternity and parental laws have changed quite a bit these last years, and it is quite confusing when you're a first time mom/parent and/or don't have the proper support or explanations through your employer. Thankfully, my hospital UCSF, offered free maternity leave legal counseling and education, so I was able to take advantage of this amazing service and could ask all the questions I had with a live legal counselor. I highly recommend that once you've decided on a hospital to deliver at, that you do your due diligence and ask if any and all maternity education is offered. Closed mouths don't get fed, and the worst thing they can say is no, so there's not much to lose except staying quiet! Because I educated myself, I was able to educate the HR department at my job regarding the new changes in maternity leave time-frame, as well as obtain a longer secured time with my baby, without jeopardizing my position at my job. It was scary to be the first person, nevertheless female, to ever bring this new information up to the higher ups. I do however feel empowered that I was able to bring such positive changes to my workplace as well as lead the path for all future mothers/parents at my company as well. I've included the brochures with detailed explanations of each type of leave as well as Federal versus State and even San Francisco's laws regarding entitled paid and non-paid leave and job-protection. You're welcome ;-)

For more accurate, and up-to-date general information regarding legal rights relating to employment in California, please refer to https://legalaidatwork.org/

MATERNITY LEAVE

PARENTAL LEAVE

One of my most frequently worn jackets during the fall and spring has been my FAUX SUEDE LEATHER JACKET. Stylish, comfortable and affordable (under $50 find!) which is always a plus. It's not maternity, but I did size up. If you're not ready to splurge on a real suede moto jacket, I do not blame you, as this piece is definitely a great alternative and the neutral cognac color can be worn in so many ways with many other complimentary colors. I'm nearing the end of my pregnancy and as much as I love to mix and match as many outfits with one piece, 2 was the max my little waddling-frame could handle this time around ;-) Can't wait for babygirl's arrival so I can get some more strength back, and show off more options! But you can see how I transitioned this jacket from casual to dressy pretty effortlessly, and remained comfortable during my pregnancy in both variations!

This week, I am feeling incredibly heavy, like my feet are swollen and ache so bad from carrying this weight. My back is starting to ache in places I didn't even know existed lol, and I am feeling just plain exhausted all the time! Although babygirl is head-down still not feeling any contractions, but lots of movement on her part (poor thing is pretty crammed in there). I’m ready for our babygirl's arrival! I can’t believe this could be my last week pregnant!

Due Date: May 9th 

How far along: 38 weeks! 

Size of baby: 19.6 inches and 6.5lb., current status is the size of a leek 

How many days to go: 14 

Total weight gain: 35 pounds 

Maternity clothes: Basically circulating a bunch of comfortable midi dresses, since I can no longer bend over to put socks or pants on. 

Stretch marks: None. I use lotion after every shower and use this cream several times a week. 

Sleep: Not great, but not horrible. Waking up to go to the bathroom every couple hours.

Best moment of this week: Just enjoying the last few weeks we have as a family of three. Lots more me time: Finishing up last minute errands, blog posts, and spending time with friends before babygirls arrival. 

Miss anything: Normal clothes

Movement: Crazy movement 

Food cravings: Pasta, bread, chips

Anything making you queasy or sick: No

Have you started to show yet: I’m huge 

Gender: GIRL!!! 

Labor signs: None 

Belly button in or out: Still in-between 

Wedding rings on or off: Off, but I have my mother's ring that I've been borrowing so that I am wearing something for the time-being 

Happy or moody most of the time: Both, but more happy :-)