The last days of work before you begin maternity leave are hectic - you've got work to wrap up, transitions to make...all while you're most likely as big as a house and have even more to take care of at home!

Take a deep breathe and consult our checklist below to make sure you're on top of everything well in advance so that you can go on leave with confidence and ease.

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Six Months Before Your Due Date

Research your rights and your company's maternity and family leave policies

Schedule a meeting with your supervisor to notify him/her about your pregnancy and discuss your options

Four Months Before Your Due Date

Research and discuss childcare options with your partner. Read our Childcare Overview

Three Months Before Your Due Date

Visit or interview child care providers

Meet with co-workers / supervisor to discuss a plan that will ensure a seamless transition and that your responsibilities are covered in your absence

Compile a plan for distributing and transitioning your responsibilities while on leave

Two Months Before Your Due Date

Develop a plan for your return following maternity leave and discuss with your supervisor

Go over insurance and employee benefits - make sure they are up to date and you've completed any steps to ensure that everything is in order for your delivery and leave

Schedule any annual reviews or evaluations prior to your leave in the event that your review date falls during maternity leave

One Month Before Your Due Date

Compile a list of important vendor information, client phone numbers and service providers for your replacement / team

If you plan to work from home during maternity leave, set up a home office with the necessary tools you'll need. Find out if you can receive email from your work account at home and / or set up a dedicated email account for work at home

Two Weeks Before Your Due Date

Call clients and others you interact with regularly to let them know about your maternity leave

Take home your rolodex and a copy of your company directory

Backup important files from your computer to take home with you.

One Week Before Your Due Date

Activate an auto response reply for your business email address notifying those that send you messages that you are out on leave and who to contact in your absence

Remove any personal property from your office that is private or valuable

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Printed from the Modern Mom website: www.modernmom.com - on October 07, 2008
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