The US is the only “rich” nation in the world that doesn’t require companies to offer their employees paid maternity leave. 40% of US women don’t quality for the Family Medical Leave Act, which grants 12 week of protected job leave, unpaid, at the federal level. 1 in 4 US mothers return to work 10 days after giving birth and while that may seem unimaginable, for many women, it is the reality. Leaving work for maternity leave is a huge transition and for many women, the return to work happens sooner than they are ready, which makes it harder than they expected. But there are things you can do to get ready for maternity leave, and also figuring out your new normal. Guest Barbara Palmer joins me for a robust discussion on “Before and After Maternity Leave”. For more information about this topic or podcast, visit us at whatwouldshedo.com.