Your Maternity Leave Guide: Benefits, Job Protection & What Nobody Tells You with Shelly Yehuda Ep. 138

If you're pregnant in California and you haven't looked into your maternity leave benefits yet — this episode is your sign. California has some of the most comprehensive maternity leave protections in the country, but the system is confusing, the deadlines are strict, and most moms don't find out what they were entitled to until it's too late. Mariela sits down with Shelly Yehuda, a maternity leave advocate who helps California women navigate the system so they can maximize every benefit, protect their job, and actually be present with their baby in those early weeks — without the financial stress hanging over them. This is practical, empowering, and honestly overdue. Every pregnant mama in California needs to hear this one. In This Episode, We Cover: 💛 Every benefit available to California moms on maternity leave — and the exact steps to make sure you're getting every dollar you're entitled to 💛 The most critical deadlines you need to know before you go out on leave — and what happens if you miss them 💛 How job protection works in California, what your employer is legally obligated to do, and what to do if you feel your position is being threatened while you're out 💛 Lesser-known programs, additional benefits, and employer negotiations that moms regularly leave on the table simply because they didn't know to ask 💛 What to do in the months before your due date to lock in your benefits, secure your position, and avoid any gaps in pay About Our Guest: Shelly Yehuda is a California maternity leave advocate who helps women navigate one of the most overwhelming systems a new mom can face. Her mission is simple: make a confusing process feel clear, manageable, and fully supportive — so moms can focus on what actually matters. She specializes in helping women maximize their benefits, protect their jobs, and go into leave feeling prepared and confident. Connect with Shelly Yehuda: Official Website: www.parentalleaveadvisors.com IG: @californiaparentalleave Email: [email protected] California maternity leave, California maternity leave benefits, paid family leave California, SDI maternity leave, California EDD maternity, CFRA job protection, FMLA California, maternity leave deadlines California, how to apply for maternity leave California, maternity leave pay California, California pregnancy benefits, job protection during maternity leave, maternity leave advocate California, maximize maternity leave benefits, maternity leave tips California, pregnant in California rights, employer obligations maternity leave California, Shelly Yehuda maternity leave, maternity leave podcast, new mom financial planning www.NewMomTalk.com Buy Me A Coffee IG: @NewMomTalk.Podcast YouTube: @NewMomTalk [email protected] Interested in being a guest? Shoot us an email! - best parenting podcast - best new mom podcast - best podcasts for new moms - best pregnancy podcast - best podcast for expecting moms - best podcast for moms - best podcast for postpartum - best prenatal podcast - best postnatal podcast - best podcast for postnatal moms - best podcast for pregnancy moms - new mom  - expecting mom - first time mom