Additional Resources

Employment Support

After a severe obstetric injury you may not feel comfortable returning to work in person. There are several companies that hire remotely. Here you will find a list of resources that are specifically looking for mothers who would like to work remotely:

• https://boulosolutions.com/
• https://www.hiremymom.com/new-jobs/
• https://motherworks.com/
• https://themomproject.com/
• https://powertofly.com/
• https://www.thesecondshift.com/

Federal Laws on Employment

Currently, maternity leave is only 12 weeks of FMLA. FMLA also only applies to employers of more than 50 individuals and you must have worked for your employer for 12 months to qualify for FMLA. FMLA is not paid but only guarantees that your job is secure for your 12 weeks of leave. For further information see: Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov). Returning from maternity leave is difficult enough, but after a severe obstetric injury, you may not be ready to return to work after 12 weeks or less.

Some employers may offer extended medical leave exceptions or short-term/long-term disability to extend your leave. Make sure you check with your employer if you qualify for any of these additional benefits.

The policy on maternity leave needs a revision as most first world countries guarantee at least a year of paid maternity. This is so sorely needed as mothers navigate the transition to motherhood, bond with their baby, and allow their bodies to heal. It is our goal at SOLACE to partner with other organizations to advocate for change of the current maternity leave standards.

Legal Support

If you feel like your injury was a result of medical neglect or proper consent was not obtained, consider contacting your state's medical board to file a complaint against your physician.

Another avenue to consider is contacting a lawyer with an expertise in obstetric injuries or breaches in informed consent. Especially if you are suffering from bowel incontinence or nerve damage which may be lasting issues that impact your well being, the well being of your family, and potentially your ability to work consider seeking legal expertise. As these are very delicate and personal matters, it is important to find a lawyer who is sympathetic, understanding, and has experience in dealing with obstetric cases.

The SOLACE Foundation is in the process of creating a list of legal resources to ensure that women needing legal advice have access to reliable and compassionate support.