Maternity leave, now often called parental or family leave, is the time a mother (or father) takes off from work for the birth or adoption of a child.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which was passed in 1993, entitles eligible workers to up to 12 weeks of job-protected medical leave for birth or adoption. However, the FMLA doesn't cover those who work for smaller companies and guarantees only unpaid leaves.

In addition to the federal FMLA law, various states have passed their own maternity leave legislation.

Leave policies vary greatly by company. Have your spouse or partner get the details from his or her human resources department.