The only other time I've applied for FMLA is when I was having back problems and had to go to physical therapy until I got it straightened out. Then, I did have to call off work sometimes just because my back hurt too much so it made sense then. But, work's policy is any absence is approved with a doctor's note (they are VERY strict about attendance) and in theory, any requested time off for a doctor's appointment is approved regardless of how much PTO (paid time off) you have.
Since I JUST found out I'm pregnant and feel fine (with the exception of a little morning sickness here and there), should I wait until I'm closer to my due date to submit the paper work and just get doctor's notes so I don't burn all my time (12 weeks) with appointments and be able to spend more time with the baby after it's here? I don't know if I can request time off for appointments without it automatically being deducted from FMLA. That's something I have to has HR about on Monday, because I do have other appointments scheduled that have nothing to do with pregnancy.
Another thing (I told you this was long
), I have both short term (paid for my me) and long term (from the company) disability. Short term kicks in after 7 days absence and automatically switches to long term after 90 days. HOWEVER, the way HR explained it to me, use up my entire 12 weeks of FMLA I am automatically terminated and have to go on COBRA but I would be eligible for auto rehire when I'm ready to come back to work, although I may lose my seniority...so what's the point of long term? I wouldn't be eligible for it anyway!
And finally, does anyone know if I need more than the 12 weeks can I file again for FMLA for the baby to get additional time? I'm mainly worried about this because of my age (40 yrs old) and the fact that my life style wasn't exactly healthy the first 8 weeks. I know, I worry too much but that's just me.
I have a meeting with HR on Monday to pick up the paper work and will ask her all the questions too but I just wanted to get some input from people who have already done this. I'm starting to think it would be smarter to wait. Any thoughts?
Since I JUST found out I'm pregnant and feel fine (with the exception of a little morning sickness here and there), should I wait until I'm closer to my due date to submit the paper work and just get doctor's notes so I don't burn all my time (12 weeks) with appointments and be able to spend more time with the baby after it's here? I don't know if I can request time off for appointments without it automatically being deducted from FMLA. That's something I have to has HR about on Monday, because I do have other appointments scheduled that have nothing to do with pregnancy.
Another thing (I told you this was long
And finally, does anyone know if I need more than the 12 weeks can I file again for FMLA for the baby to get additional time? I'm mainly worried about this because of my age (40 yrs old) and the fact that my life style wasn't exactly healthy the first 8 weeks. I know, I worry too much but that's just me.
I have a meeting with HR on Monday to pick up the paper work and will ask her all the questions too but I just wanted to get some input from people who have already done this. I'm starting to think it would be smarter to wait. Any thoughts?
