Getting used to motherhood can be a bit easier in Germany than in other countries. Due to a very social system, you will have maternity leave in Germany (Mutterschutz) – mandatory time off from work, before and after childbirth.
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Anyone who works in Germany and becomes pregnant is legally entitled to fourteen weeks off as maternity leave – at least six weeks before and eight weeks after childbirth. You can extend your leave up to 12 weeks if you have a premature, cesarean, or multiple births, or if your child is born with a disability.
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If you wish to work until you give birth, you are legally allowed to do so. You just need to inform your employer. However, you are not allowed to waive the mandatory time off after you give birth. Meaning that you need to be away from your job at least eight weeks after your child is born.
Here is a video explaining the basics of paid leave for mothers in Germany. The video is in German, with English subtitles:
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