Preparing for maternity leave in Georgia was something I never expected to think so much about before becoming a mother.
Growing up in Lithuania, where mothers can take between 18 and 24 months of paid leave, I assumed spending those early years at home with my children would be part of my own motherhood journey one day. It wasn’t something I questioned because it was simply what I saw growing up. Mothers stayed home with their babies, and those first months and years together were considered an important part of family life.
When I became a mom in Atlanta, I quickly realized that preparing for maternity leave in Georgia looked very different from what I had imagined. Between understanding leave benefits, planning for childcare, and eventually returning to work, there was so much I wish I had known beforehand.
Looking back now as a mom of three, I can see that some of my biggest worries were practical ones—childcare, work schedules, pumping, and daycare waitlists. But some of the hardest parts were emotional. Letting go of the vision I had always imagined for those first months of motherhood wasn’t easy.
If you’re currently expecting a baby or planning your maternity leave, I hope sharing my experience helps you feel a little more prepared for the journey ahead.
The Reality of Maternity Leave in Georgia
I wanted to be a mom for as long as I can remember.
So when I finally had my first baby, a difficult realization hit me: I wasn’t going to be able to stay home with him the way I had always imagined. Eventually, I would need to return to work, and someone else would be helping care for my baby during the day.
I know many families face this reality every day, but that didn’t make it any easier.
I am incredibly grateful for the flexibility my employer provides. Like many people, I transitioned to working from home during COVID and have continued working remotely ever since. Alongside my full-time job, I also run my photography business.
But even with the flexibility of working from home, work is still work. Meetings still happen. Deadlines still exist. Working from home doesn’t replace childcare.
Thankfully, my mom was able to travel from Europe and help care for my son. Between my maternity leave and her support, we were able to keep him at home until he was six months old.
Looking back, six months felt far too short. Even the newborn stage passed faster than I expected. If you’re worried you’ve missed the ideal window for newborn photos, you may enjoy reading about whether 3 weeks is too late for newborn pictures.
That’s one thing motherhood has taught me: the seasons that feel endless while you’re living them somehow become memories much faster than you expect.
Photo By: Linnea Geiger
Then Came Twins
When we welcomed our twins, we faced a challenge I wasn’t fully prepared for.
Everyone talks about the cost of daycare, especially for multiple children. What surprised me even more were the waitlists.
I assumed we would start researching childcare and find something that worked for our family.
Instead, I found myself calling center after center only to hear that infant spots were unavailable, waitlists were long, or tuition exceeded what we could realistically afford.
It was stressful, overwhelming, and honestly a little shocking.
Once again, my mom came to help. She made not one but two trips from Europe to care for the boys. Combined with additional leave and careful planning, we were able to keep them at home until they were ten months old.
Without her support, I’m not sure how we would have made it work.
What I Wish I Had Known Earlier
If you’re expecting a baby in Georgia, there are a few things I would encourage you to think about long before your due date.
While researching childcare, leave benefits, and preparing for baby’s arrival, I was also thinking about how I wanted to remember those first few weeks. If you’re still planning for your newborn stage, here’s my guide on when to book a newborn photographer.
Research Childcare Early
Earlier than you think you need to.
Many daycares have waitlists for infant care, and availability can vary significantly depending on your area and budget.
Even if you’re planning to stay home for several months, it helps to understand your options early.
Understand Your Leave Benefits
Every employer is different.
Take time during pregnancy to understand:
- FMLA eligibility
- Paid parental leave policies
- Short-term disability benefits
- PTO options
- Flexible work arrangements
Knowing what is available can help reduce uncertainty later.
Prepare for the Emotional Side
I spent so much time preparing for the logistics of returning to work that I didn’t fully prepare for the emotions.
Leaving your baby for the first time can feel incredibly difficult, even when you trust the people caring for them.
Give yourself grace during this transition.
It’s a big change for everyone.
Have a Breastfeeding and Pumping Plan
One resource that helped me tremendously was the book Work. Pump. Repeat.
Before returning to work, I worried about everything from pumping schedules to milk storage to what would happen during work travel.
The book helped me create a realistic plan and answered questions I didn’t even know I had.
If you’re planning to continue breastfeeding after returning to work, I highly recommend reading it before your leave ends.
Looking Back
When I was in the middle of maternity leave, I spent a lot of time wishing for more time.
More months.
More mornings.
More naps with a baby sleeping on my chest.
Looking back now, I still wish those seasons could have lasted longer.
But I also realize how many beautiful memories were tucked into those ordinary days.
The late-night feedings. The contact naps. The tiny newborn stretches. The way my babies fit perfectly in my arms.
At the time, those moments felt like everyday life.
Now they feel priceless.
If you’re currently preparing for maternity leave, my biggest piece of advice is simple: plan ahead where you can, accept help when it’s offered, and soak in as much of the experience as possible.
The practical challenges will eventually work themselves out.
The time, however, passes much faster than any of us expect.
