Posts Tagged ‘childcare’

Care
Boundaries
Birth is an immense change for the baby. Her whole physiology changes fundamentally and she experiences a completely new environment. The boundaries of the womb are left behind and she enters a ‘boundless’ world. In the womb, the child was able to grow harmoniously, protected from the world.
This reveals that everything that is developing requires a protective environment. With a newborn baby, and actually throughout childhood, this protective environment is constantly provided to establish firm foundations for later life. Unconsciously, the child is constantly reminded of the situation in the womb, which is related to an experience of security, safety, protection and fundamental confidence.
Warmth
The womb not only protects the embryo from the world; it also surrounds it with an even temperature of 37°C (98.6°F). A ‘warm environment’ is provided in the best possible way.
After birth, a child has to learn to maintain her own body temperature at a constant level, at first with the help of adults. She must interrelate the warm and cold parts of the body. This is achieved by means of a sensitive metabolic process which generates heat.
Normal growth and the development of the normal physical processes are also dependent on this metabolism. All the heat which the baby does not have to produce herself in order to maintain her temperature at the right level will benefit growth.
It takes the child a long time to regulate her own temperature; the normal difference of PC (2°F). between the body temperature during the night and the day is achieved by most children between their fifth and ninth months. Up to that time they are extremely dependent on the extra warmth provided in the form of good physical care, clothes, and hot water bottles used to warm the cradle before they are placed in it.
The ability to distinguish whether something is hot or cold is learnt during the initial period. The better this ability has been developed by providing sufficient warmth in childhood, the better the child can use it at a later age.
Cold feet are an important sign that extra attention should be devoted to regulating the child’s temperature. A baby should have warm feet, warm legs, a warm body and warm arms.
Special attention to warmth also has another significance. A warm environment helps the child to ‘warm up’ for life on earth. However, our motto is not ‘the warmer, the better,’ because always being dressed in too many clothes or being covered up can actually make a child either drowsy or very restless, and overheating can be very dangerous. Detailed research has revealed that there is a relationship between overheating and cot death. Duvets and synthetic materials can especially cause overheating. Therefore we certainly advise against using these.
In our view, the important thing is to learn to observe the needs of the child with regard to warmth, and to read the signs when more or less warmth needs to be provided in the form of clothes, bedding or ambient heating. The body temperature of the child is the most important thermometer, and in a healthy baby, this fluctuates around 37°C (98.6°F). You can learn to take the baby’s temperature with your hands so that you can literally feel how the child is regulating its own temperature. In the first week or two after birth, take the baby’s temperature every day, as well as feeling how warm she is. Then start testing yourself: feel how warm the baby is, then predict her temperature and check with the thermometer for a few days. If your predictions are correct, you will only have to take the baby’s temperature when you are doubtful or if she is sick.
Impressions
Everything we do, feel and think around the child is assimilated by the child. She is still completely open and has a boundless trust in the environment. The buffer which
we have between ourselves and the world as adults is formed by recognising and understanding that world. A small child is not yet able to do this. Up to about the third year, the child identifies with the environment in which she is living in a very natural way. This is followed by a stage in which thinking gradually assumes set patterns, and the child leans to distinguish herself from the outside world. For the first time, she makes a distinction between her own individuality and the world which is perceived. In this light it is understandable that first memories only go back to the third year, and there are no, or very few, memories before this.
The child is one big sensory organ. Up to the third year, all impressions are assimilated in an uninhibited way and disappear into the subconscious. There they are combined with other physical processes, and a sort of print is made; it is as though the child models the influences of the environment in its own `clay.’ Therefore, it is important that we are aware of what ‘goes into’ the child — also for later on.
Example. A child in a boat on the water, experiences the swell, feels the sunlight on her skin and the wind in her hair, smells the odour of water and fish, is taking in healthy impressions which build up the whole organism. The situation is quite different for a child at a department store who is placed in a rotating ship, which goes round and round when a coin is placed in the machine. The child will enjoy both these experiences, but they affect the organism in significantly different ways. The ‘boat on the water’ situation sounds idyllic; this is usually a vacation experience. However, there are also impressions closer to home, which can be constructive and have the above-mentioned character
Positive, constructive impressions are those impressions in which the natural origin of materials, sounds etc, can be perceived by the child. For hearing, these are the sounds of people and animals, and natural sounds such as the rustling of the wind. For sight, they are natural colours. For the sense of touch, they are materials such as wool, cotton, silk, wood, sand and water.
Many domestic appliances such as vacuum cleaners, washing machines, radio, television and plastic toys were created as a result of human technical ingenuity. For children, these are actually an abstraction, lacking in natural connection.
Radio, television and plastic toys are things you can consciously choose to have or not to have in a small child’s immediate environment. With household appliances, you can take care to minimize the sound in the baby’s immediate environment. So-called ‘white noise’
from household appliances is not a good idea for the young child as it blocks out normal impressions. Autistic children can also become obsessed by white noise. Playing a lyre, humming or singing are better background sounds for the child.
Simple actions such as washing hands, or sweeping up with a dustpan and brush in the child’s presence show how things are done. These actions are enjoyable and you can invite children to imitate them.
The feelings of people around the child also have an effect. It is obvious that a child will thrive best in a genuine atmosphere of joy and warmth. This has a positive effect. But there is not a parent in the world that is always cheerful and relaxed at every moment of the day (and night). It is worth aiming to achieve these qualities, but at times when you do not succeed, you must take them for what they are — also real human emotions. In every family there are days when everything goes pear-shaped and the ideal image of a happy family seems a long way off. Humour is always a good remedy. It can be a relief if you can laugh about yourself and the situation.
The needs which were mentioned above — that is, the need for boundaries, warmth and positive impressions — make great demands on the environment. It means that parents must have clear insight and a good level of empathy to get things right: too cold or too warm, too many im-pressions or too quiet, well-protected or not enough room to breathe?
From this point of view, we would like to discuss a number of practical aspects of childcare.
Clothes
Clothes are like a second skin, which support the functions of the skin. The skin helps to regulate body temperature and protects us from infections. In addition, the skin is a sensory organ with which we perceive the environment. These three functions are most effectively supported with clothes made of wool, silk, cotton or hemp. These fibres are preferable as they provide sense impressions from a natural source via the skin, which help the child to build up its body. Other fibres are more alien, and even viscose, which is made from cotton or wood, is processed quite strongly, in a way which is now known to be quite polluting.
Wool
Sheep’s wool protects the sheep from heat and cold, rain and toxic waste. The curls trap the warm air around the sheep’s skin. The wool keeps out the rain, and waste products are absorbed and emitted through the wool via perspiration.
All these qualities are found in woollen clothes. The warmth of the wool protects the child from cooling down too quickly and supports her unstable heat regulation system which cannot yet retain body heat.
Its absorbent capacity (30 to 40%) ensures that the child remains comfortably dry. The quality of the wool depends on the age of the sheep, the animal’s diet and health, as well as the way in which the wool was turned into clothing.
Finely knitted woollen vests are available, which forma soft, flexible outer skin. Woollen jumpers and cardigans should be loose fitting so that they are easy to put on and take off. Woollen pants are wonderful to use over cotton nappies. They can be knitted easily, preferably from slightly greasy sheep’s wool, and are ideal for absorbing moisture and neutralizing the waste products in urine.
A woollen shawl will keep the baby warm when there are fluctuations in temperature. Woollen socks will also keep the feet nice and warm. Furthermore, wool does not attract dirt, and therefore woollen clothes do not have to washed as often as cotton clothes, though they do have to be aired regularly.
Silk
The silkworm spins its cocoon of silk thread, in which the worm is sealed off from any negative external influences. The silk is made under the influence of sunlight — at sunset, the silkworm stops spinning, and at sunrise, it starts work again.
If you use silk in clothes, you will feel its enclosing qualities. Furthermore, silk can absorb 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp. In addition, silk retains heat when it is cold and releases heat when it is warm. That is why silk is worn especially in summer. Silk and, in particular, knitted silk is an excellent basic material for vests, but it is advisable to put a woollen vest over the silk vest as well.
Children who are sensitive to wool against the skin, and children who are very sensitive to impressions and consequently become restless, will benefit from wearing a silk vest.
Cotton
Cotton is widely used nowadays for children’s clothes, especially as this material can be washed so easily in the washing machine. At the same time, it should be said that it actually has to be washed often because it attracts dirt easily. Cotton can absorb 20% of its own weight in moisture.
As cotton cannot absorb heat, this passes easily through the material to the outside air. Consequently, this material is not the best choice for a child’s underclothes throughout the year. Furthermore, the way in which cotton is grown is not particularly environmentally friendly, and chemical products are often used in the treatment of the material. Fortunately, there are several eco-cotton projects which now promote its environmentally-friendly cultivation and processing, and eco-cotton is becoming increasingly available in shops and over the internet.
We suggest dressing the baby in at least two layers of clothing, covering the whole body, including the arms, legs and feet. This produces a layer of air between the two layers which retains heat. In a temperate climate, a long-sleeved woollen vest — or a vest of wool and silk — can be worn for most of the year.
In practice, we regularly find that babies are not dressed warmly enough, and they are often restless and troubled by stomach cramps, or they are constantly crying. The simple remedy of dressing the child more warmly, in better fitting clothes, will do wonders for this.
Bonnets
Unfortunately, bonnets are no longer in fashion. In comparison with the rest of their bodies, little babies often have an enormous — and sometimes rather bald — head. The head is constantly losing heat, which should really be retained for the development of the brain and organs. On the one hand, a silk bonnet will retain the baby’s heat, and oil the other hand, it protects the head and the open fontanel from a restless environment. It is important for the forehead to be free, because this part of the body acts as a sort of thermostat for regulating body heat. Where it is often windy, it may also be necessary for the baby to wear a second bonnet made of wool. There are wonderful bonnets on sale, or they can be knitted in material which is so soft that it is like a second skin.

Bonnets can be removed when the child is in the cot as long as the baby is well protected.
Wraps and swaddling
Because of the need for boundaries, it is understandable why many babies, as well as older children, calm down and fall asleep easily when they are firmly tucked in, or if they are wrapped up or swaddled.
Usually, babies have a flannel sheet wrapped around them, during the postnatal period, but this often disappears, to be replaced by a babygro/sleepsuit. We recommend continning to use a swaddling cloth and wrapping it firmly around the babygro/sleepsuit before putting the baby to bed (see illustration). As the baby still lies with its arms and legs bent, it should be swaddled in this position, to increase the sense of security. The baby can now relax and will fall asleep warm and snug. However, you must make sure that the baby is not wrapped up too warmly (see p.25).
The woollen wrap can serve as a blanket outside the cot for when the baby is fed. When the woollen cloth is no longer sufficient, use a (woollen) baby sleeping bag for in bed.

Children who remain restless and have difficulty falling asleep despite being wrapped up, as well as babies who do not establish a good rhythm of drinking/sleeping, may benefit from the old-fashioned method of swaddling in which the arms are also wrapped up so that the child cannot flail about. Flailing is often a response to crying, cramps or fright, but because it is involuntary, it can cause new restlessness. Swaddling can help to break this vicious circle.
Many parents find it difficult to restrict their baby in this way; in our age of boundless freedom, it is not so easily accepted. However, parents usually overcome their resistance when they see how the baby responds to swaddling. For most babies, it results in a much greater sense of peace, and consequently they sleep well and establish a pattern of sleeping and feeding every few hours. Nowadays, two methods of swaddling are recommended: either ready-made swaddling blankets or swaddling wraps, or using the method shown at the back of this book (see p.108). (See also Blom, Crying and Restlessness in Babies.)
The cradle
The cradle is an important successor of the smallest home in which the baby lived before birth. You can opt for a basket cradle (Moses basket), a wooden (rocking) cradle or
a cot. For safety considerations, the baby’s feet should always be placed at the end of a cot, with its head halfway down. Tuck in the blanket in such a way that the head is free and the shoulders are covered. A hood or canopy over the cradle or cot makes the space more intimate, so that the child is not distracted by the environment and can sleep more peacefully.
For the canopy, it is best to use plain materials in soft colours. A canopy made of light blue silk combined with a layer of pink silk gives a very subtle calming colour.
The mattress must be absolutely flat, providing good support, and it must be well-ventilated and warm. Our preference is for a mattress of kapok, cotton or another natural material. A sheep’s fleece can be placed on the mattress. The fleece is soft and gives a beneficial warmth so that the newborn baby is protected from cooling down too quickly. Make sure that the fleece is not too large and lies on the mattress without any folds. Cover the fleece with a sheet. The bedding should be made of cotton and wool. Do not use synthetic materials. The sheets and blankets should be big enough to tuck the baby in quite firmly. The fleece and the mattress should be regularly aired. If you use a woollen wrap there are likely to be patches of damp under the mattress. If necessary, use a waterproof sheet. There are cotton sheets available that are impregnated with rubber and do not feel clammy. We do not recommend the use of duvets, even those made of wool, because of the risk of suffocation.
If the cradle is next to the window, watch out for overheating in the sun. A baby can easily become too hot in a heated room when the sun shines through the window.
The playpen
Up to the age of four months, it is not really necessary to have a playpen. Nevertheless, when the baby is downstairs, it is a good idea to have a safe place to place it. A wicker basket with a soft cover, or the bed of a pram, are quite suitable.
We do not recommend the frequent use of a baby seat or recliner, as the baby is stimulated by the ac-
tion of sitting in an upright position at a stage when he is still physically immature. The baby can only lie passively in a baby seat, which does not matter for a short period, but is harmful to physical development in the long term.
This objection does not apply so much to the use of a recliner, but there are other objections; when the baby discovers that he can bounce the recliner with one leg, he often finds it difficult to stop, even when he gets tired of the mechanical movement.
When the baby starts to reach out for things and becomes more active in its motor development, it is time for a playpen. Quite apart from the fact that this provides a safe place for the child to learn to sit and stand, it is often a favourite place for being quiet and for playing undisturbed. A cloth cover, like a curtain, along three sides of the playpen will increase the sense of security, and is not to be confused with cot bumpers, which are not recommended as they pose a suffocation risk for the young child. For motor development, it is important that the floor of the playpen is sturdy and not too smooth (for example, a cloth folded double), so that the child can roll over and can put pressure on it.
Walkers and baby bouncers
We emphatically advise against the use of walkers and baby bouncers. These are ‘aids’ which speed up the child’s motor development in an unnatural way. Children certainly like to use these things — especially if they can move around in them quickly — and want to use them more and more. However, it is much better for a child to learn to stand and walk at his own pace. In this sense, walkers and baby bouncers do not help healthy development in any way, and are actually more of a deterrent to healthy development.
Prams and baby carriers (slings)
The pram can be a safe and sheltered place in which the baby can sleep outside during the first few months. For walking, a baby carrier is often a better alternative because it means
that the baby moves in time with the pace at which the adult is walking, and is not shaken about so much as in a pram, as it goes up and down the pavement. The child is carried in a natural position in a baby carrier (sling), (see the illustration on p. 106).
However, at this point a warning should be given. It has been shown that babies can become too hot and stuffy, particularly if carried under a coat. Unfortunately, there are even a few cases, which resulted in a baby’s death. We recommend that you keep a careful eye on a baby in a baby carrier, and if possible carry it on top of a coat rather than underneath, with, if necessary, a woollen cloth around the baby.
The disadvantage of a baby carrier in which the baby is in a vertical position is that the baby did not take up this position itself. In this sense, the baby carrier is not for babies until they reach the age of nine months. A sling is preferable, as the whole back and head are supported, although it might be tiring for the mother to carry.
When a baby has reached the age for a pram, the best model is one in which the baby faces the parent. In this way, the baby constantly has the comforting face of its father or mother in front of it, and can find out from that face what is happening in the big wide world. A traditional pram has the advantage that the child lies flat, as at this age the baby’s head is still relatively heavy and the neck cannot keep the head in a stable position. We recommend a buggy only from the age when the child is able to sit unassisted.

What do I tell my boss?
your rights and benefits
My manager said I can’t have time off for my antenatal clinic, is this true?
All pregnant women are entitled to paid time off to attend antenatal appointments as required by a registered medical practitioner, midwife, or health visitor. The employee must show a certificate issued by one of the above professionals to confirm they are pregnant, together with proof of the appointment. You are not expected to do this for the first appointment as this will be when you ask for the documentation Antenatal appointments include childbirth preparation or relaxation classes, as these are an important part of your care. If your employer is refusing to allow you time off, start by talking it through with him or her. If this doesn’t help, seek advice from your human resources department or another senior member of staff You can also contact trade union representatives, the Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Service (ACAS), or the Citizens’ Advice Bureau (see p 310).
When is the best time to tell my employer that I’m pregnant?
As soon as your employer knows that you are pregnant, the employment laws that protect you will apply, so it’s a good idea to tell him or her straight away. It is recommended that you inform your employer in writing with details of your expected due date. Your employer should then conduct a risk assessment for you in your working environment. Any risks identified should be removed or, if this is not possible, alternative arrangements should be made for you. You can also discuss when your maternity leave will start, when you can take any outstanding holidays, and if there are any other entitlements If your baby is born early or your maternity leave starts earlier than planned due to illness, the arrangements can be altered at short notice. Your employer should respect
your right to confidentiality, so by telling them, this should not mean that everyone else at work will know. If you wish the issue to remain confidential until a certain date, you could add this to your letter.
Can you tell me about the new baby funding from the government?
The government introduced the Child Trust Fund for children born after the 1st September 2002. This is a voucher of E250 that is to be used to set up a tax-free savings account. The account will be for the child
alone and can only be accessed by them when they reach the age of 18, although they can start to plan what to do with the money from the age of 16. Once the account has been set up, family and friends can add to the savings to a maximum of £1,200 each year. When your child is 7 years old, a second payment of £250 is made and children of low-income families will receive an additional E250 around the same time that will be paid directly into their bank account. There are three types of account that you can choose to set up for your baby a savings account, an investment account, or a stakeholder account. Talk to a bank or building society about which account they would recommend.

Since I told my boss I’m pregnant he has been really dismissive - what should I do?
The law protects you from being unfairly treated as a result of you being pregnant. This includes dismissal on the grounds of being pregnant or a reason that is connected to pregnancy, If you feel that your boss is treating you unfairly, try to resolve this with him first.
To protect yourself, it is advisable that you keep your manager informed of your maternity leave, return date, and antenatal appointments. Always confirm appointments in writing or provide official documents that show appointment times You should also ask your manager about any additional benefits the company may have and when you will have your risk assessment. If your manager does not respond satisfactorily to these requests, seek advice from your human resources department, a senior member of staff trade union representative, ACAS or the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.
Am I sure to get my job back after having my baby?
The law states that all employees on ordinary maternity leave (52 weeks) are entitled to return to their original job. This is regardless of how long they have worked there or what hours they work. Exactly the same terms and conditions should also apply. If a member of staff returns after parental leave (see right), then they should return to the same job where possible, if not a suitable alternative should be given. You have to notify your employer, usually in writing, when your maternity leave is planned to start. When they receive this letter, they have 28 days to write and confirm your return date. You do not need to give notice if this is the date you plan to return, but if the planned date is different or changes, eight weeks’ notice is required. You cannot work for the first two weeks (or four weeks if in a factory) following the birth of your baby.
How long can I stay at home after I’ve had my baby?
The law changed in April 2007. All pregnant women. can now take up to 52 weeks as maternity leave, regardless of their length of continuous service at their place of work. Notification to your employer must be given before the 15th week before the baby is due (25 weeks’ pregnant).
Statutory maternity pay is paid for 39 weeks to pregnant women earning at least £87 per week with 26 weeks continuous service into the 15th week before the baby is due You need to give written notice to your employer 28 days before the start of statutory maternity pay. If you do not qualify for this benefit, you may receive maternity allowance for 39 weeks (see p.62).
Am I allowed to take additional time off unpaid after my paid maternity leave ends?
You can take parental leave after maternity leave and will be entitled to the same terms and conditions as if you were taking ”additional” maternity leave of 52 weeks (see above). This means you can return to the same job, where possible, or a suitable alternative should be found. Parental leave is a separate entitlement for employees who have worked for the company for one year and must be used to care for the child or to find suitable childcare arrangements. Each parent can take 13 weeks for each child and it is unpaid If you have twins, this means you will get 13 weeks for each twin. If you do not qualify for parental leave, you could take paid holiday or ask your employer for unpaid leave. It may be worth discussing flexible working options with them, too.

Can I refuse to do tasks during pregnancy if they might put my health or the baby’s health at risk?
An employer has a duty to comply with health and safety laws, and when you are pregnant your employer must carry out a risk assessment for you within the workplace. The sooner you tell your employer in writing that you are pregnant, the sooner this check will be conducted Your employer has an obligation by law to tell you of any risks known to the company that may affect your pregnancy, Common risks to you or your unborn child are exposure to toxic or harmful substances; lifting heavy loads; standing, sitting, or twisting for long periods of time; long working hours; or certain shift patterns Your employer has a duty to either remove the risk or, if this is not possible, remove you from exposure to the risk. This may involve a suitable alternative job or suspension on full pay.
The company is talking about redundancy - can they get rid of me when I’m on maternity leave?
Your employer is breaking the law if they make you redundant because you are pregnant or taking maternity leave This is an example of sexual discrimination, as they could not treat a man in the same way, However, if the reason is a legitimate one unconnected with your pregnancy, and they have not treated you any less favourably because you are pregnant, then this is allowed.
Apart from unfair redundancy, how else can I be discriminated against during pregnancy?
Other discriminatory issues during pregnancy include giving you unsuitable work (you should have had a risk assessment carried out, see above), changing your hours of work without your agreement, using pregnancy-related illness as a disciplinary issue, and giving you poor staff reports because you are pregnant
My friend came back to work and was demoted - are they allowed to do that?
Under the Sex Discrimination Act (1975) it is against the law for an employer to discriminate against an employee on the grounds of gender, marriage, pregnancy, or maternity leave This can be classified as direct or indirect discrimination. An example of indirect sex discrimination may be less favourable treatment of part-time workers, which may affect women in particular as more women tend to work part time than men. All employees on ordinary maternity leave (52 weeks) are entitled to return to their original job, however long they have worked at the company. If an employee returns after additional parental leave, they should return to the same job where possible, or if not to a suitable alternative. If it is felt that an employee has been demoted due to maternity leave, advice should be sought by the human resources department, a trade union representative, ACAS, or the Citizens Advice Bureau.

I want to work part time after my baby is born - do I have that right?
Currently the law states that parents of children under the age of 6, or disabled children under the age of 18, have the right to apply for flexible working, which can include different shift patterns, when -you work, how long you work, and where. You must make your request in writing. Your employer is duty bound to consider your request and must be able to demonstrate why this is not possible if it is refused. You are entitled to take a colleague with you to any meetings regarding this issue, which may be your trade union representative if you have one.
If at any point you feel that your employer has not reasonably demonstrated why the company cannot accommodate your request, you can seek the advice of a trade union representative, the human resources department, or another senior member of staff. Also, as previously mentioned, organizations such as ACAS and the Citizens’ Advice Bureau may be able to offer advice and information.
What is maternity allowance and will I be eligible for it?
Maternity allowance is a benefit for women who have changed jobs during pregnancy, are self-employed, or who have had low earnings or unemployment during their pregnancy (see p 63). Your midwife should be able to advise you on what you are entitled to and can give you a certificate to confirm your pregnancy, which is known as a maternity certificate or Mat B1. which you will need to claim your maternity allowance.
What happens if I decide to be a stay-at-home mum - do I have to give my maternity pay back?
If you decide that you don’t want to go back to
work after the birth, you must give your employer at least the amount of notice your contract requires for leaving your job, and more notice if possible. You are still entitled to receive your maternity pay for up to
39 weeks even if your employment ends, and as long
as you do not begin another job, and you do not have to pay any of this back. However, if you had additional maternity pay or benefits, you may be required to pay some or all of these back.
I want to work right up to the birth - is that allowed?
Yes, you can do this, but you may need a doctor’s medical certificate to confirm that -you are fit to do so, and you should tell your employer at least 15 weeks before your baby is due when you want to start your maternity leave. Think carefully before making this decision Late pregnancy is extremely tiring and, if your job is mentally and/or physically taxing, it may be better to begin your leave a few weeks before your due date. You will also need time to prepare for the arrival of your baby
I want to go back to work very quickly - how soon can I start?
Legally, you can return to work anytime from two weeks after the birth, or four weeks if you work in a factory However, on a practical and emotional level returning so soon may not be a good solution Most women find that it takes around six weeks to recover after the birth Breastfeeding takes around six weeks to become established too Even if you bottlefeed, it is probable that your hormones, together with the natural exhaustion that follows having a baby, prevent you from concentrating. You may find that it is hard to be apart from your baby for long periods and -you need to think about your baby’s needs too.

Maternity benefits
Your rights in pregnancy
There is a range of benefits available to pregnant women and what you are entitled to depends upon your individual circumstances and your employment status These benefits have improved considerably over the years Check your company’s policy, as individual companies may also offer their own, more generous, maternity package.
Ordinary maternity leave All pregnant employees are entitled to take 52 weeks of maternity leave, regardless of the amount of time they have worked for an employer and their salary You can start your leave up to 11 weeks before the baby is due You can choose to work up to your due date, although if you take any time off sick in the four weeks before your due date, your employer can start your leave from that date
You are obliged to give your employer a minimum of four weeks’ notice of when you intend to start your leave and a minimum of four weeks’ notice of when you plan to return. You are also legally obliged to take a minimum of two weeks’ leave after the birth of your baby You may need to inform your employer in writing of your intention to take leave Tell them the date when the baby is due and the date you want to start your maternity leave. If you meet certain criteria (see right), you may be entitled to statutory maternity pay for 39 weeks of your maternity leave, after which time you will be taking unpaid maternity leave.
What are my rights while I’m on leave?
You have the same employment rights and benefits (with the exception of your wages) while you are on maternity leave However, while on additional maternity leave, some of your rights, such as contributions to a pension, may be temporarily
suspended. While on leave, you are also entitled to build up your minimum holiday entitlement, which you can add on to your leave either at the beginning or the end
Statutory maternity pay If you have been in full-time employment, or work part-time or on a fixed contract for over six months, you are entitled to receive statutory maternity pay (SMP).You are eligible for this benefit if you have worked for the same company for 26 weeks, by the end of the 15th week before the expected week of the birth. This is paid at 90 per cent of your weekly earnings for the first six weeks and then at the lesser of £112,75 or 90 per cent of your weekly average for the next 33 weeks. This is not dependent on whether or not you plan to return to work, and you do not have to return the money if you change your mind about returning to work. Your employer will deduct your tax and National Insurance contributions, and then your employer reclaims around 90 per cent of your pay from the Inland Revenue.
Maternity allowance If you are self-employed have changed your job, or have had periods of unemployment during pregnancy, you are entitled to maternity allowance, which is a tax-free benefit from the government that is also dependent on your National Insurance contributions
Maternity allowance is paid for 39 weeks at a rate of £112.7 5, or 90 per cent of your average weekly earnings if your earnings are below this figure To be eligible for maternity allowance, you will need to have been working for at least 26 weeks out of the 66 weeks before your baby’s estimated due date, and have average weekly earnings of around £30. You can begin to claim your maternity allowance up to 11 weeks
before your baby is due, and the latest you can claim this allowance is the day after your baby is born.
Time off for antenatal care Your employer is legally obliged to allow you to take a reasonable amount of time off to attend any antenatal appointments, which can include time off to attend antenatal relaxation classes or hospital antenatal classes.
Additional benefits There is a range of other benefits that are not linked to employment, which pregnant women are entitled to claim. All pregnant women are entitled to free NHS dental care during pregnancy They are also entitled to free eye treatment and free prescriptions. You continue to be entitled to free dental care and prescriptions for you and your baby for a year after the birth.You will need to obtain your exemption certificate from your health authority and your midwife or doctor will give you the application form when you have your booking in appointment.

Paternity leave
Rights for fathers
Paternity leave can be granted for an employee who is the biological father or the partner or person who will be responsible for the child’s upbringing.
To qualify for paternity leave, an employee must have had 26 weeks’ continuous service at the end of the 15th week before the baby is due and the employer should be notified, in writing, by the end of the 15th week before the baby is due. The amount of leave granted is usually around one or two weeks, which can be taken together, but not as separate days This time off must be taken within 56 days after the birth Statutory paternity pay will be paid if an employee earns at least 87 pounds per week It will be worked out as the lesser of £112.75 a week or 90 per cent of the average weekly earnings. This is the standard paternity leave package, but individual companies may offer more generous terms and conditions.