I believe I actually used the word gobsmacked.

Yes you did. Considering I was rather surprised myself, I can't blame anyone for that kind of reaction.

not that baby will probably actually be born on due date

The baby and I have to discuss, because 5/25 is my nephew's birthday. And since my U. gives me NO MATERNITY LEAVE, and I am the family breadwinner, I have to at least consider planning Babyfras' arrival.

No maternity leave? Seriously?!

They must have FMLA, though, right? I mean, there's no religious exemption for that or anything.

They must have FMLA, though, right? I mean, there's no religious exemption for that or anything.

FMLA just means they can't fire you, though. It's unpaid.

Oh, Sparky! I just skipped sadly-too-many-posts in Natter, just in time to congratulate you on your wonderful news!

Is it OK to ask how you're feeling? Or are you tired of being medically asked about it and don't wanna talk about it any more?

Also, hello, everybody! Today is the first day in, oh, near two months in which I didn't have to teach any class, at all. I'm trying to design Simpsons patterns for a kipa I was asked to make for a friend's wedding.

Congrats, Sparky! That's awesome!

No maternity leave. If I manage things well, I'll have 28 days of annual leave and about 20 days of sick leave that I'll be able to take paid. After that, it's unpaid.

While HR is a cave of trolls, the BigBoss and the people I work with are wonderful, so I am hoping to be able to fudge some comp time, too.

However, upon hearing the due date one of my first thoughts was, "Hurrah! I won't have to go to graduation!" (We all hate going to graduation, because it's terribly run by someone who lacks organizational skills.)

eta:

Is it OK to ask how you're feeling? Or are you tired of being medically asked about it and don't wanna talk about it any more?

I am feeling much more like myself now that I am through the queasiness. While I know I had it much easier than many women, I still puked in every public restroom while in Poland, and wasn't a happy camper.

Believe me, I well know the unpaidness of FMLA. Does anywhere actually have paid maternity leave? But usually people have at least some banked sick and vacation leave - some places even let coworkers give donations. I managed 6 weeks paid with each kid, I think.

Does anywhere actually have paid maternity leave?

My company gives 8 weeks parental leave, which can be extended up to 12 using PTO or FMLA (but you have to use up your PTO before they'll let you take any unpaid leave).

Does anywhere actually have paid maternity leave?

My last U. did. And I had about 6 months of sick leave in the bank. I dream about that now.

There are lots of memos each year out of the faculty senate here that say the lack of maternity leave and no childcare facilities is bad for recruiting, and an embarrassment to the fact that this religious institution should be at the forefront of supporting families.