73. This maternity leave hack blew my mind

Jul 15, 2025

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What if your employer was holding back thousands of dollars and extra months of maternity leave—and you didn’t even know it? In this episode, we’re diving into the real maternity leave benefits you’re entitled to and how to uncover them. You’ll hear from expert Diane Gatza, founder of California Maternity Leave Consulting, who’s helped thousands of moms maximize their leave, even scoring a full year of paid time off.

What to Listen For:

Why trusting HR could be your biggest maternity leave mistake
How one mom made more money on leave than as a full-time engineer
What most employers aren’t telling you about short-term disability benefits
How some women are taking a full year off—with up to $96,000 tax-free
Simple steps to check your employer documents for hidden benefits
How state benefits differ—and what to do if your state doesn’t offer paid leave
Why private disability insurance could be a game-changer if you’re not pregnant yet
Emotional and physical benefits of extended leave (like easier breastfeeding and bonding)

You deserve time to rest, heal, and bond with your baby—and get paid for it. Whether you're in California or another state, this episode arms you with knowledge to uncover hidden maternity leave benefits and confidently advocate for what you’re entitled to. 💪

👉 Don’t forget to check out Diane’s free workshop and her online course if you want expert help navigating your leave. And be sure to subscribe to The Postpartum Shift for more episodes that support you in feeling like yourself again postpartum.

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, and getting it right can make a huge difference in your energy, mood, and overall health postpartum. If you’ve been making these common mistakes, don’t stress—small changes can have a big impact! Grab my Postpartum Breakfast Guide for easy, balanced meals that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. Click here to get yours today!

✨ Free Resource Mentioned:

Diane’s free California Maternity Leave Workshop (for California moms):
https://www.californiamaternityleave.com/5-critical-mistakes-webinar

Follow Diane on IG: https://www.instagram.com/californiamaternityleave/

Diane’s Website: https://californiamaternityleave.com/

Maximized Maternity Leave 101 Course:
https://www.californiamaternityleave.com/a/2147848815/Lpa3HPZ5

Concierge Maternity Service:
https://www.californiamaternityleave.com/a/2147848814/Lpa3HPZ5

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