Birth Mom

Growing your family is an important and exciting time in your life.

The Kuhl Family“The additional parental leave will allow us to feel more focused and ready to come back to work after such a life-changing event.”

Jessica Chahal, senior corporate assurance analyst, expecting her first child in the Fall. Read More

Checklist

Learn which steps you’ll need to take to ensure a smooth transition.

Paid Leave

Family Medical Leave is an unpaid leave that provides job protection for up to 12 weeks and is used at the same time as other paid or unpaid leave policies.  

Maternity
(paid)		   Parental
(paid)		   Total Paid Leave
8 Weeks

+

 6 Weeks

=

 14 Weeks
  • Determine which time-off policies you will utilize:
    • 8 weeks of Maternity Leave paid through the Short-Term Disability Plan.
    • 6 weeks Parental Leave within the 12-month period immediately following the birth of your child. Time-off should be in whole week increments, but weeks are not required to be concurrent or continuous.
    • Vacation may be taken to continue pay while on FML.
    • Family Medical Leave (unpaid, may run concurrently with ConocoPhillips policies).

Preparing for your time-off

  • Have an initial conversation with your supervisor to share your news and plans to take time off. This conversation must take place early enough for your supervisor to plan for your absences, both before and after your child has arrived.
  • Confirm who will code your time while you are away.
  • Request an Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) packet from HR Connections (about 30 days prior to birth, if possible).

Getting ready for your new child

  • Use expectant mother parking spaces as needed.
    • Houston
    • Bartlesville
    • Alaska – Contact Bob Bland (265-6950).
    • Midland – Contact a Midland REFS team member for more information.
  • Maximize your health care benefits: Benefits are provided for breastfeeding counseling and support services when given by a provider during pregnancy and/or post-partum period. Contact a health advocate at 1-800-343-4709 for assistance.
  • Find a pediatrician.
  • BCBSTX Prenatal and Postnatal Support, Care and Screenings

After your child’s birth

  • Once your child is born, complete and provide the required Employee Heath Report (EHR) to ConocoPhillips Health Services no later than the seventh consecutive calendar day of your absence. The completed and approved EHR will also certify FML during maternity leave.  
  • If you would like to take additional FML after maternity leave, complete the Care & Bonding Form.
  • Within 90 days of birth, add your child to your benefits coverage on My Benefits. You may also consider enrolling in a Dependent Day Care FSA to utilize pre-tax dollars to pay for day care and/or increasing your contribution to the Health Saving Account.

Transitioning back to work

  • Confirm with your supervisor when you will return to work and what your schedule will be upon your return.
  • Contact HR Connections if you will need to use nursing facilities.
  • If you have been on unpaid leave, confirm that your laptop, network access, etc. will be setup prior to your return.
  • Connect with EAP for tips to help you transition back to work.

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