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@californiamaternityleave · September 19, 2026

Photo by Diane Gatza - California Maternity Leave Consulting on September 19, 2026. May be a meme of text that says 'Why saying ".M FINE" AT YOUR 6- -WEEK CHECKИP could be costing you maternity leave time in CA. @CaliforniaMaternityLeave'.

Photo by Diane Gatza - California Maternity Leave Consulting on September 19, 2026. May be a meme of text that says 'You are exhausted, your body hurts, and you are overwhelmed. But when the doctor walks into the room for your 6-week checkup, you automatically smile and "I' doing fine." say, @CaliforniaMaternityLeave'.

Photo by Diane Gatza - California Maternity Leave Consulting on September 19, 2026. May be an image of text that says 'We are conditioned to think that suffering through pain, anxiety, and exhaustion is just "normal mom stuff" we have to endure. But hiding your struggles is actually costing you time with your baby. @CaliforniaMaternityLeave'.

Photo by Diane Gatza - California Maternity Leave Consulting on September 19, 2026. May be a graphic of poster, wheelchair and text that says 'In many cases, these symptoms can qualify you for a disability extension for more time off and pay through state programs. @CaliforniaMaternityLeave'.

Photo by Diane Gatza - California Maternity Leave Consulting on September 19, 2026. May be a meme of text that says 'But here is the frustrating truth: your care provider is not going to automatically offer you an extension. You have to know that it is an an option, and you have to ask for it. @CaliforniaMaternityLeave'.

Photo by Diane Gatza - California Maternity Leave Consulting on September 19, 2026. May be an image of text that says 'Many doctors are rushed or dismissive, creating an awkward dynamic that makes women afraid to speak up or ask for the extra state paperwork need. they @CaliforniaMaternityLeave'.

Photo by Diane Gatza - California Maternity Leave Consulting on September 19, 2026. May be an image of text that says 'should You never feel embarrassed to ask for more time to heal from childbirth. You just need a strategy and the right words to confidently advocate for yourself with your care care provider. I Icanshowyouexactlywhatt what to can show you say. @CaliforniaMaternityLeave'.

Photo by Diane Gatza - California Maternity Leave Consulting on September 19, 2026. May be a meme of top and text that says 'Diane DianeGatza,P.E. Gatza, P.E Maternity Leave Consultant If you find this post helpful, please save, like, and share it with withan any parents who need to hear this message. @CaliforniaMaternityLeave'.

Diane Gatza - California Maternity Leave Consulting@californiamaternityleave

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💬 Comment WORKSHOP if you want my free training on the 5 critical mistakes to avoid making when it comes to your maternity leave! At your 6-week postpartum checkup, the pressure to act like you have it all together is so real. 🩺 But slapping on a smile and telling your doctor that you are "fine" when you are actually struggling with real medical symptoms could be costing you precious time off. 🛑 These invisible symptoms are often brushed off as "normal mom stuff," but they are actually medically recognized conditions that can qualify you to extend your pay and time away from work through California state programs. 🏛️ The problem is, the system puts you in a tough spot—care providers are busy and will rarely offer up this paperwork on their own. 🙅‍♀️ You have to know how to push back and ask for what you need. 🗣️ You shouldn't feel embarrassed to advocate for your own healing! Let us help you navigate these conversations with your doctor so you can get the time you actually need to recover and bond with your baby. 👶✨ If you are outside California, follow our new page: @MaxMyParentalLeave