Duration, prenatal or postnatal leave, conditions, and procedures… What you need to know about maternity leave for expectant mothers and young mothers.
The duration of maternity leave
The duration of maternity leave benefits has been extended for self-employed women. They now have an additional 38 days to reach the same number of days as employees.
Good news: maternity leave is also extended for women farmers! “The minimum period of absence from work is now increased from 2 to 8 weeks for self-employed women and farmers; including 2 weeks of prenatal leave and at least 6 weeks of post-natal leave in order to qualify for maternity leave compensation; said in a statement Agnès Buzyn, Minister of Health, Didier Guillaume, Minister of Agriculture and Marlène Schiappa; responsible for equality between men and women.
In addition to the maternity replacement allowance; which now allows 60% of the women farmers concerned to be replaced during their maternity leave; daily allowances will be paid to farm managers who cannot be replaced during their leave.
The level of this allowance will be the same as that applicable to self-employed non-agricultural workers, i.e. € 55.51 per day”, States the government.
If you are pregnant and are about to announce your pregnancy to your employer; find all our advice on maternity leave. From when should he be informed that you are expecting a child? What are the steps to take to benefit from your maternity leave in peace? What is the duration of prenatal and postnatal leave?
Indeed, the duration of maternity leave is 16 weeks in France; but it can be longer depending on the number of dependent children; especially if you are expecting twins or triplets.
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Also; in some cases, you may be able to postpone the duration of your prenatal leave after your birth or to combine your prenatal leave with a pathological leave; before the birth of your child.
In addition, the issue that all future and young mothers face is the amount of maternity leave benefits.
The women’s Journal answers all your questions and guides you so you don’t forget anything in your steps.
Maternity Leave For Self-Employed Women
Following a decree issued on 29 May, self-employed women are now entitled to the same period of maternity leave as employees. Every year; nearly 20,000 women are affected.
While they were entitled to between 6 and 11 weeks of maternity leave; future and young mothers will be able to stop between 8 weeks minimum and maximum up to 16 weeks; or up to 112 days while being compensated.
“Up to now, self-employed women have received a lump-sum benefit as well as flat-rate daily allowances paid up to 74 days; subject to an actual work stoppage of 44 days.
Provided for in the law of financing of Social Security for 2019, this measure will allow the independents to benefit from 38 days of additional compensated holidays; ” specifies in a statement the Ministry of solidarity and health.
In addition; “this extension of the duration of the benefit applies to allowances and indemnities paid to compensate for work stoppages related to maternity starting from January 1, 2019” adds the ministry.
For her part; Marlène Schiappa welcomes this new protection measure. “Commitment made.
Finally the concrete improvement of the daily life of futures and young self-employed mothers who will be able to benefit from a maternity leave like salaried women!
Maternity is a period of upheaval and the State should enable women to live confidently without distinction of status,” she said in a statement.
How Long Is Maternity Leave?
In France, the total duration of maternity leave is 16 weeks (for a first or second child) or 26 weeks from three children.
The duration varies according to the number of dependent children; but also according to the number of unborn children.
If you are pregnant with twins or triplets;Â the total duration of your maternity leave will then be 34 weeks or 46 weeks (three children).
In addition; maternity leave is divided into two parts: prenatal leave, to be taken during pregnancy; and postnatal leave; after the birth of the baby.
The duration of the prenatal leave is 6 weeks for a first and second child and 8 weeks from the third child.
It amounts to 12 weeks or 24 weeks in case of a twin or multiple pregnancies.
The duration of postnatal leave is 10 weeks (1st and 2nd child) or 18 weeks (3rd child or more); and 22 weeks; regardless of the number of children to be born; in case of multiple pregnancies.
In addition; do not hesitate to contact your collective agreement to find out the terms and conditions.
In some cases; maternity leave may be extended. Attention; “under no circumstances can you be employed for a period of 8 weeks in total before and after the birth; of which necessarily 6 weeks after the birth” recalls the government.
It is strictly forbidden to give up your maternity leave altogether.
However; “outside this period of the absolute prohibition of employment; you may decide not to take the full maternity leave to which you are entitled”.
Duration Of Maternity Leave For Mothers Of Preterm Babies.
The battle waged by the association SOS PREMA has allowed a right to an extension of maternity leave for mothers of premature children.
The Leave is extended for all mothers who have given birth several weeks in advance and whose condition requires hospitalization.
The lengthening of this new maternity leave depends on the number of days in advance of the baby.
The period during which the mother can benefit from the days of rest is increased by the number of days; between the birth of the baby and 6 weeks before the date of delivery.
This period is in addition to the length of the statutory holiday; but cannot be detached from it. In addition; mothers of preterm babies who die shortly after birth are entitled to the same rights.
Is It Possible To Reschedule Maternity Leave?
It is perfectly possible to postpone part of your prenatal leave to take advantage of a little more time with your newborn.
However;Â your doctor will have to give your consent and you will then benefit from 13 weeks (instead of 10 weeks) after the birth of your child.
To do this, you must send a request for postponement of maternity leave to the CPAM and a medical certificate; stating that your state of health allows you to continue your professional activity before birth.
And if you are wondering how long it is possible to change your mind; be aware that your request must be made no later than one day before you originally scheduled leave date.
On the other hand; be aware that it is not necessary to obtain your employer’s agreement.
On the other hand; can the beginning of prenatal leave be brought forward? Yes, under certain conditions too.
If you wish to anticipate your maternity leave; you should be aware that it can be advanced up to 2 weeks; if you are pregnant with your third child and up to 4 weeks in case of multiple births.
It should be noted that the duration of postnatal leave is reduced by the same number of weeks.
For example; if you are expecting your third child; it is possible to take 10 weeks before the birth; and therefore 16 weeks after the birth of your baby.
Pathological Leave
Depending on your state of pregnancy, your doctor may prescribes a pathological leave in addition to your prenatal leave. Its duration is 14 consecutive days or not. It must be taken before the birth of the child.
As far as pathological leave related to childbirth is concerned; it lasts a maximum of 4 weeks and can be taken at once; after birth.
Finally, the gynecologist or general practitioner may offer sick leave to women after childbirth when the consequences of childbirth are difficult; for example, because of a cesarean section or a severe baby blues. There is no specific leave for breastfeeding unless provided for in the company’s collective agreement.
Read Also:
- 17 Valuable Tips For Coming back To Work After Maternity Leave.
- Maternity, Paternity And Parental Leave Simplified!
- Suitable Maternity Clothes: The Common Concern Of All The Mothers.
