This Is Woman's Work with Nicole Kalil How To Navigate Parental Leave with Daphne Delvaux, Esq | 335
Aug 13, 2025
Daphne Delvaux, founder of Delvaux Law and known as The Mamattorney, tackles the chaotic landscape of parental leave in the U.S. She reveals legal protections many are unaware of and how to navigate them effectively. Daphne discusses the outdated stigma that motherhood detracts from professional dedication and advocates for equitable parenting responsibilities. She offers practical advice for expecting parents on preparing for leave without jeopardizing their careers while calling for a societal shift to support all parents equally.
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Parental Leave Is A Legal Patchwork
- Parental leave is not a single legal category; it's a mix of medical and family leave laws that vary by state and employer size.
- Daphne Delvaux calls the system intentionally confusing and says that complexity discourages parents from claiming rights.
Tell Your Employer Early And In Writing
- Tell your employer you are pregnant as soon as you get a positive test and do it in writing to preserve accommodation and discrimination protections.
- Waiting to disclose removes legal protections and can eliminate recourse if you lose your job.
Delay Disclosure During Interviews
- When interviewing, delay pregnancy disclosure until after you receive and accept an offer to avoid difficult-to-prove hiring discrimination.
- Request the employee handbook or role details first to learn company policies without revealing pregnancy.