Extended Leave: The Time Off Most Parents Don’t Know They Can Take
It’s been four years since I made one of the hardest decisions of my career, quitting my job just six weeks after returning from parental leave. And if you haven’t heard my story before, I’ll tell you… that was never part of the plan. I came back to work with a newborn, a toddler, no daycare in the middle of the pandemic, postpartum depression, and a workload that felt impossible to ever catch up on. I was overwhelmed and exhausted. So, I walked away. Only a month later, I discovered something that completely shifted how I think about parental leave… I had qualified for at least 12 more weeks of extended leave paid. That meant thousands of dollars and three extra months at home with my baby that I didn’t even know were available to me.
Looking back, if I had understood all of my parental leave options, I would have stayed. I wouldn’t be telling this story today. That’s the power of extended leave; it can make the difference between leaving a job you love and having the time you truly need to heal and bond with your baby.
What Extended Leave Really Means
So many parents assume that once their six or eight weeks are up, they’re out of options. But extended leave is real, and often, it’s paid.
Extended leave simply means taking additional time off beyond the “standard” six weeks, supported by benefits you may already qualify for. Depending on your state, your employer, or your insurance, extended leave can add weeks or even months of paid time off to your parental leave.
For me, those 12 extra weeks would have changed everything… my mental health, my bond with my baby, and even my career. That’s why I started Hello, Bundle, because I never want another parent to leave money or time on the table the way I did.
Why Parents Miss Out on Extended Leave
Parental leave in the U.S. is confusing on purpose. It’s a web of state programs, employer policies, and federal protections, and most parents don’t have the time or energy to untangle it when they’re exhausted and caring for a newborn.
Here are the most common reasons parents miss out on extended leave:
They don’t know state benefits exist: Programs like Paid Family Leave or State Disability Insurance can extend recovery and bonding time, but many parents never hear about them.
They don’t realize short-term disability can cover postpartum recovery: This is especially true when complications or postpartum depression are involved.
They think HR will guide them: HR’s job is to protect the company, not maximize your benefits.
They assume asking for more time will cost them their job: In reality, many parents are legally entitled to more job-protected leave than they think.
Extended Leave Can Be Paid
When parents hear “extended leave,” they often assume it means unpaid time. But… with the right documentation, you can often continue receiving pay.
State Disability Insurance (SDI): In states that offer it, SDI provides partial pay while you recover from childbirth, and often lasts longer than six weeks.
Paid Family Leave (PFL): Many states offer additional bonding leave, separate from recovery time.
Private Short-Term Disability Insurance: If you have coverage through your job, it can extend your paid recovery leave significantly.
The paperwork your doctor provides is what makes all of this possible. That documentation can unlock weeks — sometimes months, of pay while you stay home to heal and bond.
Why Extended Leave Matters
Extended leave isn’t a luxury. It’s about your health, your baby’s wellbeing, and your family’s future.
When I left my job early, I thought I had no choice. But now I see what a difference those 12 weeks would have made. Parents who take extended leave recover more fully, report stronger mental health, and feel more confident returning to work. Babies benefit from the extra bonding time. Families thrive when both parents maximize their leave.
This isn’t just about time off. It’s about giving yourself the chance to start this new chapter on steadier ground.
What I’ve Learned Since
When I started Hello, Bundle, I knew I didn’t want another parent to go through what I did. Fast forward two years, and we’ve helped more than 2,000 families unlock almost $44 million in benefits they didn’t realize they qualified for.
And here’s my favorite part, almost all of them take at least six months off. Paid. Could you imagine thinking you only had six weeks and then discovering you could take six months? That’s life-changing.
Don’t Do This Alone
If Hello, Bundle had existed when I went on leave, I would have taken those extra 12 weeks. But parental leave consulting wasn’t a thing back then. That’s why I created this business.
We’ll comb through your state laws, your employer’s policies, and your insurance benefits. We’ll explain your legal protections, show you how to push back on HR if needed, and even help you secure job protection if you don’t qualify for FMLA.
Because no parent should have to figure this out alone. And no parent should ever feel forced to quit when they still have time and money waiting for them. If you’re approaching the end of your leave and wondering if more time is possible, book a call with Hello, Bundle. We’ll help you find out exactly what extended leave you qualify for, so you can take the time you need without leaving benefits on the table.
