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. CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Background of Maternity Leave06:35 Preparing for Maternity Leave: Researching Programs and Planning for Childcare13:41 Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: Phased Returns and Flexible Work Arrangements26:55 Childcare Options and Considerations32:25 Recommended Resources: Ina May Gaskin's Books RESOURCESYour Baby, Your Child - PenelopeIna May's Guide to ChildbirthLinks 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