Extending baby bonding time beyond 8 weeks PFL - what are my options?

The short answer is no, you can't extend the 8 weeks of PFL benefits for baby bonding specifically. California caps it at 8 weeks total. However, you do have a few options: 1. FMLA/CFRA - If you haven't used up all your FMLA/CFRA time (12 weeks total), you can take the remaining weeks unpaid but with job protection 2. Use accrued PTO/vacation time - Many employers allow this after PFL ends 3. Negotiate unpaid leave - Some companies offer additional unpaid leave beyond what's legally required 4. Check if your company offers any supplemental parental leave benefits beyond the state program Also worth noting: if you didn't use any pregnancy disability leave before birth, you've likely only used PFL for your 8 weeks of bonding. The 8 weeks is per 12-month period, so technically you could take 4 weeks now and save 4 weeks for later, though this isn't ideal for continuous bonding time.

I was in the EXACT same boat last year!!! The 8 weeks goes by in a flash 😭 What I did was take the full 8 weeks PFL then I used 3 weeks of vacation time. Then I negotiated with my boss to work part-time for another month (so I was only away from baby 4 hours a day). It wasn't ideal but better than nothing! Also check your employee handbook - my company actually had an extended parental leave policy that HR didn't even mention until I specifically asked about it!

The 8 weeks of PFL is the maximum for baby bonding PAID leave from CA. But your company has to give you up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave under FMLA/CFRA (if they have 50+ employees and you've worked there long enough). So you should at least be able to take 4 more weeks unpaid with job protection. I took the full 12 weeks even though only 8 were paid.

Hey so I just went thru this whole process and called EDD like 50 times with questions. You absolutely CANNOT extend beyond 8 weeks of PFL for bonding. Thats the CA max. Period. What you CAN do is use CFRA time (thats the state version of FMLA) which gives you 12 weeks total of protected leave, but only 8 weeks of that is paid thru PFL. Also your employr might have their own maternity policy on top of the state stuff. Mine gave me an extra 4 weeks paid! Worth asking about.

idk why everyone's saying you can't extend, my cousin totally did! she got 8 weeks plus another 8 weeks somehow. maybe ask about SDI extension or something? or maybe her work just had a good policy. but def possible! don't give up!!

The California system is SO FRUSTRATING sometimes!! I had my baby last year and the whole leave process was a nightmare to figure out. I ended up having to go back to work after my PFL ran out because we couldn't afford for me to take unpaid time. It felt way too soon. One thing no one mentioned yet - if you have any health issues (including postpartum depression or anxiety), your doctor might be able to extend your disability leave. I know someone who got an additional 4 weeks that way before starting her PFL bonding time. Just a thought!

my company lets us take 6 months off for new babies but only 3 months is paid. maybe look for a new job lol

To summarize your options since there's been some confusion in the thread: 1. You cannot extend the 8 weeks of PFL benefits - that's the maximum California offers for bonding time per 12-month period 2. You may still have CFRA protection remaining (12 weeks total, minus what you've used) but it would be unpaid 3. Your company may offer additional benefits - worth checking your employee handbook or asking HR specifically about extended parental leave policies 4. You can use accrued vacation/PTO after PFL ends 5. You can negotiate reduced hours or a phased return One thing to note is that if you're experiencing postpartum anxiety/depression as you mentioned, your doctor might be able to extend your disability leave, which would be separate from your bonding leave. This would be covered under PDL/SDI rather than PFL.

I'm so glad to see you found some good options with your supervisor! The combination of vacation time plus a part-time transition sounds like a really reasonable compromise. Just wanted to add one more thing that might be helpful - when you do eventually return to work (whether full-time or part-time), look into whether your company has a lactation support program or nursing mother accommodations if you're breastfeeding. Many companies are required to provide time and space for pumping, and some even have on-site childcare or backup childcare benefits that can ease the transition. Also, don't feel guilty about advocating for yourself and your family's needs during this time. You're doing exactly what you should be doing by exploring all your options. Those early months go by so fast but they're so important for bonding. Wishing you the best with your transition back to work!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My little one is 7 weeks old and I'm already dreading going back to work next week. The 8 weeks really does fly by so much faster than you expect when you're sleep-deprived and learning how to be a mom. One thing I discovered that might help - if your company participates in any voluntary benefit programs, some offer short-term disability insurance that can provide additional paid leave beyond what the state offers. I didn't know about this until a coworker mentioned it. Also, some companies have "parental leave banks" where employees can donate unused PTO to new parents. The anxiety about leaving your baby is SO real. I've been crying just thinking about it. Have you looked into whether your company offers any gradual return-to-work programs? Even if they don't have a formal policy, it might be worth proposing a 2-3 week phase-in period where you start with shorter days. Hang in there - you're being such a good advocate for yourself and your daughter! ❤️

I'm a new parent too and just wanted to chime in with something that helped me when I was facing the same situation a few months ago. The 8-week PFL limit is definitely frustrating, but I found a few creative solutions that might work for you: 1. **Remote work arrangements** - Even if your company doesn't normally offer remote work, they might be willing to let you work from home for a few weeks as a transition. I was able to negotiate 2 weeks of WFH after my PFL ended, which meant I could still be with my baby during lunch breaks and pumping sessions. 2. **Flexible scheduling** - Ask about starting later or leaving earlier for the first month back. I worked 7am-3pm instead of 9am-5pm so I could pick up my baby earlier from daycare. 3. **Check your state's new parent support programs** - California has some lesser-known resources for new parents that might provide additional support or even small financial assistance during unpaid leave periods. The postpartum anxiety you mentioned is so valid and common. Don't hesitate to bring it up with your doctor - they might be able to provide additional medical leave documentation that could extend your time off. You're doing an amazing job advocating for yourself and your family. That little girl is so lucky to have such a caring mom! 💕

I just wanted to add another perspective as someone who recently navigated this same situation. The emotional aspect of returning to work after bonding leave is so much harder than anyone prepares you for! One thing that really helped me was connecting with other new moms at my company before my leave ended. It turned out there were several women who had babies in the past year, and they created an informal support network. We shared tips about pumping logistics, recommended childcare providers, and even coordinated our lunch breaks so we could check in with each other during those first tough weeks back. Also, don't underestimate the power of having a really solid childcare plan that you feel 100% confident about. I spent the last two weeks of my PFL doing "practice runs" with my daycare - dropping my baby off for just an hour or two so we could both get used to the routine. It helped ease my anxiety knowing she was comfortable there and that the caregivers really knew her needs. The financial reality is tough, but remember that this phase is temporary. Many moms I know found that once they got through the first month back at work, the routine became more manageable and the guilt lessened (though it never fully goes away, and that's normal too!). You're clearly such a thoughtful, caring mom - your daughter is going to thrive because of the strong foundation you're building with her during these precious weeks. ❤️

I'm a new mom myself (my little one is 4 months old now) and I remember feeling this exact same panic when my PFL was ending! The 8 weeks really does feel like it goes by in a flash when you're in the thick of those early bonding days. One thing that helped me was creating a detailed transition plan about 2 weeks before my leave ended. I made a list of all my concerns and then systematically addressed each one - from finding the right childcare to negotiating flexible work arrangements to building up a freezer stash if I was breastfeeding. I also want to echo what others have said about employer-specific benefits. My company had a "new parent support fund" buried in the employee handbook that I only found out about because I specifically searched for "parent" and "family" in the digital version. It provided an additional 2 weeks of partial pay that wasn't widely advertised. The postpartum anxiety piece is so important to address with your doctor. I had similar feelings and my doctor was incredibly understanding - she provided documentation for an additional 3 weeks of medical leave specifically for postpartum anxiety, which gave me the extra time I needed to feel more emotionally ready. You're being such a wonderful advocate for yourself and your daughter. Trust that you're doing everything right, and remember that even when you do return to work, you're still going to be an amazing mom! The bond you've built during these 8 weeks doesn't disappear. 💕

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress - the 8-week limit really is heartbreaking when you're not ready to leave your little one! I went through this exact situation 6 months ago and here's what I wish someone had told me: First, definitely push harder with HR. Ask specifically about: - Any supplemental parental leave policies (sometimes they exist but aren't well-publicized) - Employee assistance programs that might offer additional support - Whether they participate in any voluntary benefit programs with extended leave options Second, consider talking to your manager directly, not just HR. Sometimes individual departments have more flexibility than company-wide policies suggest. I was able to negotiate a "soft return" where I worked 3 days a week for my first month back, then gradually increased to full-time. Third, look into whether your company offers any kind of sabbatical or personal leave options that aren't specifically parental leave. Some companies have general unpaid leave policies that can be used for family reasons. The postpartum anxiety you mentioned is so valid - definitely bring this up with your doctor. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and they may be able to extend your leave on medical grounds. Hang in there mama, you're doing everything right by advocating for more time with your daughter. Even if you can't get the full extension you want, every extra day or week counts! ❤️

I'm a new mom too and just went through this exact same struggle! My heart goes out to you because that 8-week deadline feels so cruel when you're just starting to feel like you're getting the hang of this whole mom thing. One resource that really helped me was connecting with a lactation consultant who also happened to be well-versed in California leave laws. She helped me understand that if I was having any breastfeeding challenges or postpartum recovery issues, my doctor could potentially extend my medical leave beyond the standard recovery period. It's worth exploring if you're experiencing any physical or mental health concerns related to childbirth and early motherhood. Also, I wanted to mention that some companies have "gradual return to work" policies specifically for new parents that aren't always clearly outlined in the standard HR materials. You might ask if they offer things like: - Working from home 1-2 days per week initially - Shorter workdays for the first month - Flexible start/end times to accommodate childcare schedules - Job sharing arrangements temporarily The fact that your company has 130 employees puts you in a good spot for FMLA/CFRA protections, so definitely explore all your unpaid leave options too. Even though it's not ideal financially, having that job protection can give you peace of mind to take the time you need. You're such a good mom for fighting for more time with your daughter. Trust your instincts - they're telling you something important! 💕

I'm a new parent myself and my heart just breaks reading your post because I remember feeling this exact same panic when my 8 weeks were almost up! The whole system feels so inadequate when you're in those precious early bonding days. One thing I discovered that might help - some companies have "return-to-work" stipends or childcare assistance programs that aren't widely advertised. My employer had a $2000 benefit to help cover transition costs (like backup childcare or a nanny for the first few weeks back) that I only found out about by specifically asking HR about "family support benefits" rather than just "maternity leave." Also, if your company offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), they sometimes provide free consultations with work-life balance specialists who can help you negotiate flexible arrangements or find creative solutions you might not have considered. The postpartum anxiety you mentioned is so real and valid. When I talked to my doctor about similar feelings, she explained that the stress of forced separation from your baby can actually exacerbate postpartum mental health issues, which could potentially qualify for additional medical leave. It's definitely worth having that honest conversation at your appointment. You're being such an amazing advocate for yourself and your daughter. The fact that you're fighting for this time shows what a wonderful mom you are. Even if you can't get everything you want, know that you're doing the absolute best you can in a system that doesn't adequately support new families. Sending you so much love and support! 💕

I'm a new mom who just went through this same emotional rollercoaster 3 months ago, and I want you to know that everything you're feeling is completely valid and normal! The 8-week PFL limit is honestly cruel when you're just starting to feel confident as a new parent. Here's something that really helped me that I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you're planning to breastfeed when you return to work, ask your doctor about any potential complications or concerns related to pumping/supply that might qualify for extended medical leave. I had some supply issues and my doctor was able to provide documentation for an additional 2 weeks of medical leave to help establish a better pumping routine before returning to work. Also, don't forget to ask about whether your company offers dependent care FSA (flexible spending account) benefits if you haven't already set that up. It won't extend your leave, but it can help make childcare more affordable when you do return, which might ease some of the financial pressure of taking unpaid time. One more thing - consider reaching out to local new mom support groups or online communities for your area. I found that other moms often share information about which local employers are more family-friendly, and sometimes there are opportunities to network into companies with better parental leave policies for the future. You're doing such an amazing job advocating for your family. That little girl is so lucky to have a mom who's fighting this hard to spend more time with her! 💕

I'm a new mom who just returned to work after my 8-week PFL ended, and reading your post brought back all those overwhelming feelings! The anxiety about leaving your baby is so incredibly real and valid. One thing that helped me that I haven't seen mentioned yet - if your company has a union or employee resource groups, they sometimes have additional resources or can advocate for more flexible policies that aren't in the standard handbook. Even at smaller companies, sometimes there are informal employee networks that have successfully negotiated better arrangements. Also, I wanted to mention that some health insurance plans cover lactation consultants and postpartum mental health support as preventive care. If you're dealing with breastfeeding challenges or postpartum anxiety, these services might be covered at 100% and could potentially provide documentation for extended medical leave. The transition is incredibly hard, but I want you to know that even if you can't get as much time as you want, you're still going to be an amazing mom. The love and bond you've built with your daughter in these 8 weeks is already so strong, and that doesn't diminish when you return to work. You're teaching her that moms can be both nurturing caregivers and capable professionals. Keep advocating for yourself - you're doing everything right! 💕

I'm a new mom myself and this thread has been so incredibly helpful to read! I'm only 3 weeks into my PFL right now, but I'm already starting to panic about how fast the time is going by. Reading everyone's experiences and suggestions is giving me so much valuable information to start preparing early. @Katherine, I just want to say how inspiring it is to see you advocating so strongly for yourself and your daughter. It gives me courage to start thinking about what I might need to negotiate when my time gets closer. A few things I'm taking away from this thread that I want to start researching now: - Digging deep into our employee handbook for any hidden family benefits - Connecting with other new parents at my company to build a support network - Starting conversations early with my manager about flexible return options - Looking into whether we have EAP services or voluntary benefit programs The advice about talking to your doctor about postpartum anxiety being a legitimate medical concern really stands out to me too. I think normalizing these conversations and treating mental health with the same seriousness as physical health is so important. Thank you to everyone who has shared their experiences and advice in this thread - it's creating such a valuable resource for new parents navigating these challenging decisions! 💕

I'm a new mom with a 6-week-old and this entire thread has been such a goldmine of information! I'm already feeling that creeping anxiety about my PFL ending soon, so seeing all the creative solutions and advocacy strategies you've all shared is incredibly helpful. One thing I wanted to add that might be useful - I recently discovered that some companies have "emergency backup childcare" benefits through services like Bright Horizons or Care.com that can provide temporary care during your transition period. Even if your regular childcare falls through or you need a few extra days to feel comfortable, these services can be a lifesaver. Some employers cover the cost partially or fully as a work-life balance benefit. Also, for anyone dealing with the financial stress of potentially taking unpaid leave, it might be worth looking into whether your state offers any temporary assistance programs for new families. California has CalWORKs and other programs that sometimes provide short-term support during family transitions. @Katherine, your determination to find more time with your daughter is so admirable, and it sounds like you've already made great progress with your supervisor being open to vacation time and part-time arrangements. That's a huge win! The combination of strategies you're putting together - medical documentation, vacation time, flexible schedule - shows what's possible when you advocate effectively for yourself. This community is such a wonderful reminder that we're all in this together as new parents trying to navigate these impossible choices. Thank you all for sharing your experiences so openly! 💕

I'm a new mom with a 5-week-old and reading through all these responses has been incredibly eye-opening! The anxiety about the 8-week deadline is so real - I'm already starting to feel that knot in my stomach thinking about leaving my little one. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is looking into whether your company offers any "phased retirement" or sabbatical programs that might be applicable to new parents, even if they're not specifically designed for parental leave. My sister works at a tech company that has a sabbatical program after 3+ years of employment that she was able to use for extended family leave. Also, some companies participate in "leave sharing" programs where coworkers can donate their unused PTO/sick days to employees in need. It's worth asking HR if anything like this exists, especially since you mentioned your company has 130 employees - that's a decent-sized pool of potential donors. @Katherine, I'm so impressed by how thoroughly you're researching all your options and advocating for yourself! The fact that your supervisor is already open to vacation time and part-time arrangements is such a positive sign. You're clearly approaching this the right way by being proactive and exploring every possible avenue. Thank you to everyone who has shared their experiences in this thread - it's creating such a valuable resource for all of us navigating this challenging transition! 💕