✨ Episode Summary:

Today we’re diving deep into all things maternity leave with Diane — engineer, home birth mom of two, and the powerhouse behind California Maternity Leave Consulting.

Diane breaks down how to create a personalized maternity leave plan, what benefits really matter, and how to navigate the power dynamics between employer, provider, and state so you can advocate for the leave and pay you deserve.

From understanding protective leave vs. wage replacement (PFL), to tips for the self-employed and what to do if you face pregnancy discrimination, this episode is a must-listen for every working parent (and birth worker who wants to better support their clients).

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📚 What You’ll Learn:

• The biggest pitfalls families face when planning maternity leave — and how to avoid them

• How to create a clear leave plan before you’re even pregnant

• The truth about protective leave vs. wage replacement (PFL)

• How FMLA, PDL, CFRA, and other laws work together

• Advocacy tips: navigating power dynamics with employers & being your own best advocate

• Leave & pay options for the self-employed and S-corps

• Diane’s top 3 steps to maximize your benefits

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👤 Guest Bio:

Diane is an engineer, home birth mom of two, and the CEO & Founder of California Maternity Leave Consulting. After navigating her own confusing leaves and realizing how broken the system is, she’s now known as the “Rosetta Stone of Maternity Benefits.” She’s helped over 3,000 women break down complex benefits into clear, actionable steps so they can get the leave they deserve.

When she’s not advocating for better policies, Diane loves meditation, sewing, and Disney days with her kids — and dreams of competing on Project Runway one day!

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🔗 Links and Resources Mentioned:

• Website: californiamaternityleave.com

• Facebook: California Maternity Leave

• Instagram: @CaliforniaMaternityLeave

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✅ Call to Action:

If you loved this episode, share it with a parent or birth worker who needs it! Tag us and let us know your biggest takeaway.

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🌿 Connect with Us:

@sophiabirth

@bayareahomebirth

@bornwildmidwifery

Stay Wild 🌳✨