What Is a Good Maternity Leave Policy?
Maternity leave policies in the U.S. vary dramatically—from unpaid time off under the bare-minimum protections of the FMLA to 6 months of fully paid leave with fertility and adoption support. If you’re evaluating a job offer or preparing to negotiate with HR, it’s essential to understand what a good maternity leave policy really looks like—and how to spot one that falls short.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key components of a high-quality maternity leave policy and help you navigate the questions to ask before you accept a job.
1. Duration: At Least 12–20+ Weeks
A good maternity leave policy should offer at least 12 weeks of fully paid leave, ideally extending to 20 weeks or more for birthing parents. Some companies offer a mix of short-term disability and paid parental bonding leave—be sure to ask how these work together.
💡 Companies like Etsy, Salesforce, and Pinterest offer up to 26 weeks of paid leave—setting a powerful example for others.
2. A good maternity policy is fully paid. (Not Just Protected Time Off)
Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), most U.S. employers are only required to provide unpaid job-protected leave—not pay. A good policy goes further and ensures 100% pay replacement during leave, not just a fraction through short-term disability.
Look for:
- Pay at full base salary
- Continuation of benefits (like health insurance)
- No requirement to use up all your PTO first
3. A good maternity policy has inclusive eligibility.
Many workers lose access to leave benefits because of fine print. A strong maternity leave policy should:
- Be available to both full-time and part-time employees
- Have little or no tenure requirement (some employers offer leave from day one)
- Be inclusive of adoptive, foster, and surrogate parents
4. Fertility & Adoption Support
Maternity leave doesn’t just start with a birth—it often starts with months (or years) of planning and waiting. Great employers recognize this by offering:
- IVF and egg freezing coverage
- Surrogacy and adoption reimbursement (often $5,000–$40,000)
- Access to fertility navigation platforms like Carrot or Progyny
5. A good maternity policy includes a flexible, family-friendly return to work.
What happens after your leave ends matters too. Some of the best maternity leave policies include:
- A phased return-to-work program (e.g., 4 days/week at full pay for the first month)
- Guaranteed flexibility (hybrid or remote options)
- Access to backup childcare and parent coaching
6. A good maternity leave policy is actually equal leave for all parents.
While this post focuses on birthing parents, it’s a good sign when a company offers equal or generous leave to non-birth partners, too. Companies with gender-neutral leave policies often foster more inclusive, family-friendly workplaces overall.
Questions to Ask About Maternity Leave in a Job Interview
- How many weeks of maternity leave are fully paid?
- Do I need to use PTO before maternity leave starts?
- Is there a waiting period before benefits apply?
- Are adoptive, foster, or surrogate parents covered?
- What supports are available when I return?
Final Thoughts on Good Maternity Leave Policy
A good maternity leave policy is more than just a few weeks off—it’s a reflection of how much an employer values caregiving, work-life balance, and long-term employee retention. Whether you’re negotiating a new job or preparing for parenthood in your current role, knowing what to look for can help you make smarter, more confident decisions.
👉 Want to see which companies are setting the standard?
Check out our 2025 list of the best maternity leave companies in the U.S.