Planning for Maternity Leave: What Every Woman Should Know

4. Understand Your Leave Options 

The Australian Government’s Parental Leave Pay scheme provides up to 20 weeks of payments at the national minimum wage. But that’s not always enough to cover regular expenses, especially if you’re used to a dual income or planning an extended break. 

Some employers offer additional paid leave, but it varies from workplace to workplace.  

 Now is the time to check: 

🔹 What your employer offers (and whether it’s full pay or top-ups) 
🔹 When government leave kicks in, and how to apply 
🔹 Whether you plan to take unpaid leave beyond that 
🔹 What your partner is eligible for—and how you might share the load 

💡 Quick Tip: Ask your employer if there’s a waiting period before payments start, and whether leave must be taken consecutively or can be split over time. If your partner also has access to leave, consider staggering your time off to extend coverage. 

5. Budget for the Bump—and Beyond 

Have an honest conversation with your partner to clarify what your household budget is now and start budgeting as early as possible.  

Factor in: 

🔹 Out-of-pocket hospital and medical costs 
🔹 Everyday baby expenses (nappies, gear, clothes—they add up fast) 
🔹 Mortgage or rent 
🔹 Lifestyle expenses that may drop (commuting, eating out) 
🔹 Others that might rise (groceries, utilities, streaming services) 

And don’t forget to build in a financial buffer. A couple of months’ worth of expenses in savings can go a long way toward peace of mind. Another thing to consider, if possible, is to build up a nest egg in a high interest savings account that can ultimately offset your loss of income until you return to work. 

💡 Quick Tip: Try a “practice month” before baby arrives. Live off your expected maternity leave budget—it’s a powerful way to test your plan, find gaps, and adjust early. 

Bonus Insight: Planning ahead also helps avoid the trap of lifestyle inflation when you return to work. After a period of restricted spending, it can be tempting to splurge, but thoughtful planning ensures your return to income is strategic, not reactionary. 

6. Don’t Forget About Super   

One area that’s often overlooked during parental leave is superannuation. The good news is that from 1 July 2025, the Australian Taxation Office will begin paying super contributions on government-funded Parental Leave Pay through the new Paid Parental Leave Superannuation Contribution (PPLSC). If your child is born or adopted on or after this date, you don’t need to do anything, the ATO will automatically calculate and deposit the super into your fund after the financial year ends. However, if you’re also taking unpaid leave beyond the government entitlement, your employer is not required to make contributions during that time, so it’s still worth planning ahead. 

Time out of the workforce can have long-term impacts on your retirement balance. According to the Australian Retirement Trust, in 2019, women retired with a mean superannuation balance of $289,227 compared to $476,744 for men. 

Consider: 

🔹 Making voluntary contributions (even small one’s count) 

🔹 Asking your partner to make spouse contributions 

🔹 Checking if your employer offers “super top-ups” during leave 

We’re strong advocates for closing the super gap and it starts with being proactive, even during maternity leave. 

💡 Quick Tip: If your partner is earning more while you’re on leave, ask them to make a spouse contribution into your super fund. It’s a simple and powerful way to help close the gender gap in retirement savings. 

7. Think Bigger Than the Next 12 Months 

Having a child reshapes your priorities. That’s why maternity leave planning should be part of a broader financial strategy, one that looks after your family’s wellbeing both now and into the future. 

Now’s a good time to review: 

🔹 Income protection and life insurance 
🔹 Wills and estate plans 
🔹 Education savings (e.g. investment bonds or family trusts) 
🔹 Whether a second (or third) child could affect your long-term plans 

💡 Quick Tip: Financial stress isn’t just about numbers, it’s emotional. Planning ahead now helps reduce anxiety during what is already a major life adjustment. Your peace of mind matters just as much as your cash flow. 

The Takeaway 

You’ve probably picked names, planned a baby shower and maybe even read a few parenting books. But your financial wellbeing deserves just as much attention. 

Preparing for maternity leave is more than spreadsheets and budgets, it’s about feeling confident and supported as you step into a new chapter. With the right planning, you can embrace this time fully, knowing your finances are working for you in the background. 

For more information on how Poole Advisory can help you plan for maternity leave, protect your financial future and invest in your family’s future – get in touch today . 

Compliance Disclaimer: 

This information contains general advice only, that is, advice which does not take into account your needs, objectives, or financial situation. You need to consider the appropriateness of that general advice in light of your personal circumstances before acting on the advice. You should obtain and consider the Product Disclosure Statement for any product discussed before making a decision to acquire that product. You should obtain financial or credit advice that addresses your specific needs and situation before making investment or borrowing decisions. Taxation information is based on our interpretation of the relevant laws as at 1 July 2018. While every care has been taken in the preparation of this information, Prosperitas Partners Pty Ltd does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information. The case studies are hypothetical, for illustration purposes only and are not based on actual returns. 

Poole Advisory Pty Ltd ABN 15 642 040 604 is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 001282603) of Prosperitas Partners Pty Ltd ABN 30 662 654 453 AFSL 544 917