UW–Madison employees have access to a wide range of support services and resources that can be helpful through pregnancy or adoption, welcoming a child, and the transition to parenthood. These include policies, tools, and services that can assist with preparing for parenthood, requesting pregnancy-related accommodations, planning for a parental leave of absence, or transitioning to a return to work.
You do not need to navigate these options alone. Your Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) is available to provide information and guidance on a confidential basis. Other support services are also available on campus.
Learn more
- Preparing for Parenthood
- Planning for Your Parental Leave of Absence
- Pregnancy Related Accommodations and Workplace Support
- Returning to Work
Questions?
If you have questions that are not answered by the resources on this page, please contact the human resources office where you work.
Preparing for Parenthood
Prepare for parenthood with clarity and confidence by learning about your options for leaves of absence, changes to benefits, and child care planning. Help is available in determining your eligibility for benefits and resources. You do not need to navigate these options on your own.
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Resources for Pre-Conception, Prenatal, and Pre-Adoptive Leave
Employees may need time away from work for fertility treatments, prenatal appointments, medical needs related to pregnancy, or required adoption and foster care absences. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for job-protected leave. Use the resources below to learn more about your leave options and contact your Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) to discuss eligibility and next steps.
- Wisconsin and Federal Family and Medical Leave Policy
The State of Wisconsin Family and Medical Leave Act (WFMLA) and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) are separate leave entitlements that enable eligible employees to balance work and family responsibilities by taking job-protected unpaid leave for specified family and /or medical reasons. - Leave
Leave options are available to allow time away from work to care for yourself or others. The resources on this page can assist UW–Madison employees in understanding the leave options that may be available. Help is available in determining which leave programs you qualify for. - Find Your Divisional Disability Representative
Your DDR can review your leave options when you are planning or requesting a family, medical, or parental leave. They will guide you through the leave request process.
Benefits Planning
If you add a new child to your family due to birth, adoption, or placement for adoption, you are eligible to add the child to your current benefit plans or cancel coverage. You may also be able to enroll in certain benefit plans that offer an enrollment due to the addition of a new child to your family. Learn more about your benefits options and speak with your human resources contact if you have questions.
Child Care Planning
The Office of Child Care and Family Resources (OCCFR) helps UW–Madison families navigate child care options on campus and in the community, explore financial assistance, and access parenting education and support.
Planning for Your Parental Leave of Absence
Welcoming a new child often involves taking time away from work. To help you prepare for your parental leave of absence, you can become familiar with the types of leave of absence available, eligibility requirements, and the recommended steps to take. Your Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) can help you understand your options and guide you through the request process.
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Understanding Your Leave of Absence and Time Off Options
Employees may be eligible for a leave of absence when welcoming a new child under the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Wisconsin Family and Medical Leave Act (WFMLA), or University Policy. FMLA and WFMLA are unpaid leave entitlements.
You may use available paid time off (e.g., vacation, sick leave, and personal holiday) during your leave of absence. You may also be eligible to receive Paid Parental Leave. Review the policies and resources below and work with your Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) to understand your leave options.
How to Plan Your Leave
Planning for your parental leave of absence ensures a smooth transition for you and your team. These tools can guide you through the steps of preparing for leave, such as determining your eligibility, reviewing timelines, coordinating with your Divisional Disability Representative (DDR), and submitting required forms. Your DDR will provide the final approval for leave requests.
Pregnancy-Related Accommodations and Workplace Support
UW–Madison provides reasonable accommodations and workplace support to help employees maintain their health, safety, and wellbeing during pregnancy. Learn how to request pregnancy-related accommodations, where to find health and safety guidance, and what support is available during pregnancy-related complications or loss.
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Pregnancy-Related Reasonable Accommodations
Under Pregnancy-Related Reasonable Accommodation Policy and Procedures (UW-5101), employees can seek accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions. These reasonable accommodations support an employee’s health and ability to work before, during, and after pregnancy. Depending on your individual situation, you may qualify for reasonable accommodations such as schedule adjustments, modified duties, parking changes, or other accommodations that support your health and ability to work. Your Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) can help you understand your options and guide you through the request process.
Environment, Health, & Safety Support
Environment, Health, & Safety (EH&S) and occupational medicine provide medical services and hazard assessment support to inform engineering control, administrative, and personal protective equipment decisions in the workplace and academic environment. If you are concerned about workplace safety and reproductive health, review the following resources from EH&S.
Pregnancy Complications and Child Loss Support
Pregnancy complications or loss can be physically and emotionally challenging. Confidential support is available to you during this time. Employees may also be eligible for leave of absence and accommodations. Help is available in reviewing support options. You do not need to navigate these options on your own.
- Employee Assistance Office
The Employee Assistance (EAO) provides personal counseling to employees (including employed graduate students), their families, and significant others, providing help with work-related or personal challenges. Counseling is confidential and available at no cost. - LifeMatters
Life Matters provides UW–Madison employees across the state, their families, and significant others with free access to professional counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in support of employees’ personal and work-related concerns. - Leave
Leave options are available to allow time away from work to care for yourself or others. The resources on this page can assist UW–Madison employees in understanding the leave options that may be available. Help is available in determining which leave programs you qualify for. - UW–Madison Policy: Pregnancy-Related Reasonable Accommodation for Employees and Job Applicants
UW-Madison must provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and job applicants with known limitations related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. - Information on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) requires UW–Madison to provide a reasonable accommodation for an employee or job applicant who has limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. - Employee Disability Resources
The Employee Disability Resources office is UW–Madison’s central resource for workplace accommodations. The office provides information, consultation, training, and referrals to help reduce barriers in the workplace. - Find Your Divisional Disability Representative
Your DDR can provide information about your leave options and accommodations you may be eligible for.
Returning to Work
Resources are available to support your needs when you are returning to work after welcoming a new child. These include available postpartum accommodations, lactation resources, and university services that can help you navigate the transition back to work.
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Accommodations
Employees can seek reasonable accommodations for childbirth recovery and postpartum needs to support a return to work. Depending on your individual situation, you may qualify for reasonable accommodations such as schedule adjustments, modified duties, ergonomic equipment, or other accommodations that support your health and ability to work. Your Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) can help you understand your options and guide you through the request process.
Campus Resources
UW–Madison offers a variety of resources to support employees returning to work after welcoming a child. These include access to lactation spaces across campus, information about your rights under the PUMP Act, and child care navigation and parenting support through the Office of Child Care and Family Resources (OCCFR). These tools can help you balance your work responsibilities with your family’s needs.
Supporting the Emotional Transition Back to Work
Returning to work can be challenging. Confidential support is available to you during this time.
- Employee Assistance Office
The Employee Assistance (EAO) provides personal counseling to employees (including employed graduate students), their families, and significant others, providing help with work-related or personal challenges. Counseling is confidential and available at no cost. - LifeMatters
Life Matters provides UW–Madison employees across the state, their families, and significant others with free access to professional counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in support of employees’ personal and work-related concerns. - Resources from LifeMatters
LifeMatters offers a number of articles, webinars, and podcasts on topics such as emotional wellbeing, financial wellness, caregiving needs, relationships, and more. To access these resources, send an email to lifematters@mailplus.wisc.edu. Within minutes, you will receive UW–Madison’s company password to the LifeMatters website.
Financial Planning
You may wish to consider new financial resources and opportunities after having or adopting a child. Consult with your own financial planner or benefits specialist to understand how programs such as a Dependent Care Flexible Savings Account or Wisconsin’s Edvest 529 College Savings Plan might benefit you and your family.