Maternity leave refers to a period of time that is set aside for working mothers to recover from childbirth, bond with their newborns, and adjust to the demands of early parenthood. This leave aims to provide support and protection for mothers in the workforce while ensuring their job security. In New Jersey (NJ), there are primarily two types of maternity leave available: New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJ FLA) and New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance (NJ TDI). The New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJ FLA) allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave within a 24-month period for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. To qualify for NJ FLA, employees must have worked for their employer for a minimum of 12 months and have accrued at least 1,000 base hours of work during the 12-month period preceding the start of leave. This leave ensures that job protection is provided during the employee's absence. New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance (NJ TDI) offers a form of paid maternity leave to eligible employees, primarily covering the period of recovery after childbirth. It provides partial wage replacement benefits for up to six weeks before childbirth and eight weeks following childbirth (for a normal delivery), or six weeks following childbirth (for a Cesarean section). NJ TDI is funded through employee payroll deductions and offers a percentage of the employee's average weekly wage, subject to a maximum benefit amount. In addition to NJ FLA and NJ TDI, employees may also have the option to use any accrued paid time off (PTO) or sick leave during their maternity leave, providing additional income during the period of absence. To apply for maternity leave benefits in New Jersey, employees are required to submit the necessary paperwork to their employer, such as medical certifications confirming the pregnancy and expected due date. Employers are mandated to provide notice to employees regarding their rights and responsibilities under both NJ FLA and NJ TDI. It is important for expecting mothers in New Jersey to familiarize themselves with the maternity leave laws and regulations in order to make informed decisions and plan for their time off from work. By understanding their rights, employees can ensure a smoother transition into parenthood while also safeguarding their career and income during this significant life event.