An application for maternity leave serves as a formal notification to your employer regarding your intention to take time off for prenatal care and postpartum recovery. It is crucial to plan your maternity leave carefully to maximize the maternity benefits offered by your company. Besides this, writing a maternity leave letter in advance also enables your team to manage workflow effectively in your absence.
Proper maternity leave planning also ensures financial stability for the family and allows a mother to spend quality time with her baby. However, the duration of maternity leave can vary across different countries and different companies, usually encompassing legal maternity leave periods and compensations.
However, writing a maternity leave application can be challenging because, first of all, it requires a lot of brainstorming to find a suitable word that looks professional and conveys the meaning, and it needs to be thoroughly planned. Before writing a professional email application for maternity leave, get in touch with your manager and HR manager to understand the maternity leave policy.
Understand whether your company supports paid maternity leave, for how many months the company offers maternity leave and the impact of the leave on your job. Once you have the details, you can write the email because this will be written proof regarding your leave, and you don’t want to miss out on important details.
This blog contains 15 maternity leave application templates (format for maternity leave letters) to help you get started. These will help you draft a professional email without taking a lot of your time.
15 Templates to Write an Effective Application for Maternity Leave
If you want to write an application for maternity leave but don’t know how to start; we’ll guide you on what the format for maternity leave letters should look like. Here are 15 basic templates and formats to write a maternity leave letter:
Template 1: Basic Maternity Leave Letter
Subject: Request for [Number] Months Maternity Leave
Dear [Name],
I hope you're doing well! I am writing this letter to inform you that I will take maternity leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] as per the company’s maternity policy. I am currently [Number of Pregnancy Weeks] and plan to begin my maternity leave on [Start Date].
In my absence, my colleague, [Name], will delegate and oversee the completion of all current projects. However, if he/she requires any help, I will be available. My team members are fully briefed on all the ongoing tasks. While I’m on leave, I will remain reachable via email or phone for urgent matters.
Also, I would like to know whether the maternity leave would be paid or not.
Thanks for your support and understanding during my special time.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
Template 2: Application for Pre-Delivery Maternity Leave
Subject: Request for [Number] Months Maternity Leave to Prepare for Childbirth
Dear [Name],
I believe you are doing great! I am writing to share that I’m expecting a baby and would like to request maternity leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] to prepare for the baby’s arrival. I need this time to take care of my health and ensure a safe delivery of the baby.
I have planned everything for my responsibilities to be managed by a colleague [Colleague's Name] during my absence. While I’m on leave, you or any other team member can connect with me through email or phone. However, I might not be able to pick up or respond instantly, but once I check it, I will definitely reply and provide my assistance to help with the query.
I am thankful for your great support and understanding during this crucial period of my life.
Best wishes,
[Your Signature]
Template 3: Application for Maternity Leave Due to Medical Reasons
Subject: Request for Early Maternity Leave Due to Medical Reasons
Dear [Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request early maternity leave due to medical reasons. I am currently [Number of Pregnancy Weeks] along, and my doctor has advised me to rest to avoid any complications during delivery.
I would be grateful for your support in allowing me to begin my maternity leave on [Start Date]. I will keep you updated on my condition and provide an expected return date as soon as possible.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time. Please let me know if you need any further information or documentation.
Best regards,
[Your Signature]
Template 4: Application for Maternity Leave Extension for Breastfeeding
Subject: Request for Extension of Maternity Leave
Dear [Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I am writing to formally request an extension of my maternity leave, which is currently scheduled from [Start Date] to [End Date]. Due to my baby’s health, I need to extend my leave until [New End Date] to continue breastfeeding my newborn.
I truly appreciate the support and understanding I’ve received from the company thus far. Please consider this request and extend my maternity leave for [Number] days, as it is important for me to look after my new baby’s health.
While I’m on leave, I will remain reachable via email or phone for urgent matters and will keep you updated regarding my expected return date.
Thank you for your patience and support during this time.
Warm regards,
[Your Signature]
Template 5: Application for Emergency Maternity Leave
Subject: Urgent Request for Emergency Maternity Leave
Dear [Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to make an urgent request for emergency maternity leave due to an unexpected complication with my pregnancy. My doctor has advised me to take an immediate break from work to prioritize my health and the well-being of my baby. If there isn’t any improvement in the condition, I am afraid but doctor has said that they will have to proceed with early delivery (pre-mature) of the baby to ensure both the mother’s and the child’s safety.
I would be grateful if you could grant me maternity leave starting from [Start Date], with an expected return date of [Return Date]. I appreciate your understanding during this critical time, and I will keep you informed about my situation as it develops.
Thank you for your support and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
Template 6: Application for Maternity Leave After Childbirth
Subject: Request for Post-Delivery Maternity Leave
Dear [Name],
I hope this message finds you well! I am writing to request post-delivery maternity leave formally. I delivered my child on [Delivery Date] and would like to request maternity leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] to ensure proper recovery and care for my child during these early days.
During my absence, I have ensured that all my responsibilities are managed and have shared complete instructions with my colleague, [Colleague's Name], regarding my ongoing tasks. I believe this approach will help maintain our team’s productivity while I am away.
I appreciate your understanding and support in approving this maternity leave. Please let me know if you require any medical documentation or further information.
Thank you for your patience and support during this special time in my life.
Best regards,
[Your Signature]
Template 7: Application for Requesting Work from Home After Maternity Leave
Subject: Request for Work from Home After Maternity Leave
Dear [Name],
I hope this message finds you well! I am writing to discuss my work situation following my maternity leave. Given my new parental responsibilities, I would like to kindly request the option to work from home for the upcoming weeks.
After completing my maternity leave, I joined the office, but it was too difficult for me to manage office work while looking after my four-month-old baby. My baby needs me, and it is difficult for me to balance the demands of work with the constant care that my baby requires.
This flexibility would greatly assist me in achieving a better work-life balance during this transition. I assure you that I will maintain my productivity and meet all deadlines while working remotely. I will also ensure to stay in touch with the office for any urgent matters and provide regular updates regarding my return.
Thank you for considering my request. I truly appreciate your understanding and support during this time, and I look forward to your positive response.
Warm Regards,
[Your Signature]
Template 8: Application for 6 Months Maternity Leave
Subject: Request for Maternity Leave for 6 Months
Dear [Name],
I hope this message finds you well! I am writing to formally request a six-month maternity leave in accordance with the company’s maternity leave policy. I plan to initiate my leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] in preparation for my child’s arrival.
In my absence, I will ensure that all current projects are delegated appropriately and that my team members are fully briefed on any ongoing tasks. I am confident that they will manage effectively during this period. While I’m on leave, I will remain reachable via email or phone for any urgent matters.
Thank you for your understanding during this special time. I appreciate your support and look forward to your positive response.
Warm Regards,
[Your Signature]
Template 9: Application for Maternity Leave Due to Best Rest Prescription
Subject: Request for Maternity Leave for Bed Rest Before Childbirth
Dear [Name],
I hope this message finds you well! I am writing to formally request maternity leave due to my doctor-advised bed rest until my baby's arrival. I would like to begin my maternity leave from [Start Date] and plan to return by [End Date].
I have coordinated with my team to ensure that all my projects are covered in my absence. [Colleague’s Name] has kindly agreed to take over my tasks during this time. If you require any medical documentation, please feel free to reach out to me via email or phone.
Thank you for your understanding and support during this time. I look forward to your positive response.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
Template 10: Application for Maternity Leave for Government Employees
Subject: Request for Maternity Leave
Dear [Name],
I hope you’re doing great! I am writing to formally request maternity leave as I’m expecting a baby. My delivery date is [Expected Delivery Date], and I plan to begin my maternity leave from [Start Date]. I would like to request a leave duration of [Number of Weeks] in accordance with the government employees’ maternity leave provisions. This time is necessary for me to focus on my health and the baby’s well-being.
In my absence, I will ensure that all current projects are delegated and overseen appropriately. My colleague [Colleague's Name] has kindly agreed to take care of ongoing tasks. I will make sure to hand over all my responsibilities before beginning my leave. While I’m on leave, I will remain reachable via email or phone for any urgent matters and will keep you updated regarding my expected return date.
If you need any medical documentation related to my pregnancy, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you for your consideration and support of my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
Template 11: Application for Maternity Leave for Child Adoption
Subject: Request for Leave to Attend to Child Adoption Matters
Dear [Name],
I hope you are doing well! I am writing to formally request maternity leave starting from [Start Date] to [End Date] to complete the adoption process for my child. I will need this leave to attend legal proceedings and counselling sessions and to complete the necessary paperwork.
The final date of adoption is expected to be [Final Adoption Date], and I plan to return to work on [Return Date]. I have coordinated with my colleague [Colleague’s Name] to ensure that all my projects are covered during my absence. I will make sure to hand over my tasks before I begin my leave.
If you need any documentation related to the adoption process, please feel free to reach out to me via email or phone.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to your positive response and will keep you updated about my plans for rejoining.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
Template 12: Application for Maternity Leave for Surrogacy
Subject: Request for Maternity Leave for Surrogacy
Dear [Name],
I hope this message finds you well! I am writing to formally request maternity leave starting from [Start Date] to [End Date] as I welcome my child via surrogacy. This time is essential for me to foster an emotional bond with my newborn.
I am committed to ensuring that all my responsibilities at work are covered during my absence and will assist with the transition as needed. If you require any documentation related to my surrogacy, please feel free to reach out to me via email or phone.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this joyful time in my life. I look forward to your positive response and will keep you updated about my plans for rejoining.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
Template 13: Collaborative Maternity Leave Request with Transition Planning
Subject: Request for Maternity Leave and Transition Plan Preparation
Dear [Name],
I hope you are doing well! I am writing to formally request maternity leave starting from [Start Date] to [End Date]. In preparation for my absence, I have attached the necessary documents and would like to collaborate on a transition plan to ensure that my projects are adequately covered.
I will ensure that all my current tasks are finalized and will provide support to my colleagues to ease the workload during my leave. If you need any medical documentation related to my pregnancy or have any urgent matters that require consideration, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you for your support and understanding during this important time.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
Template 14: Format for Flexible and Greatful Maternity Leave Letter
Subject: Maternity Leave Request with Willingness for Flexible Support
Dear [Name],
I am writing to formally request maternity leave starting from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I’m excited to welcome my first child into the world and deeply thankful for my company’s flexible maternity leave policy, which ensures that my responsibilities are handled smoothly during this time.
I have coordinated with my colleague [Colleague’s Name] to ensure all my projects are covered in my absence. Let me know how I can support my team during my leave; feel free to reach out to me.
Thank you for your support and understanding.
Best wishes,
[Your Signature]
Template 15: Application for Rejoining After Maternity Leave
Subject: Request for Rejoining After Maternity Leave
Dear [Name],
I hope you're doing well! I am writing to formally inform you that I am rejoining work following maternity leave. I’m excited to coordinate with my team and continue with our ongoing projects.
My maternity leave duration [Duration] ended on [End Date], and I plan to return to the office on [Rejoin Date]. Please let me know if there are any updates during my leave time or meetings that I should be aware of before rejoining.
Thank you for your support during my leave time.
Warm Regards,
[Your Signature]
Wrapping Up
A maternity leave letter is an effective way to request your employer for your time away from the office. This letter will share with them your due date, duration of your leave, and date of rejoin. Don’t hesitate to mention your passion and commitment toward your company, along with how you are excited to rejoin your team when your leave is over.
By following our format for maternity leave application, you can write an effective maternity leave letter clearly and concisely. A well-formatted leave letter communicated with your company ensures your time off remains stress-free, enabling you to return to work refreshed and motivated. Don't forget to follow your company’s policy and timelines. If you have some time on your hands, then you can create a concise and professional email signature to have a professional impact.
However, if you want more personalized emails, then you can take the help of Gen AI-powered tools, like Smart Write. With the help of Neo, you can get easy access to customizable email templates and the Smart Write feature for drafting effective leave applications easily.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a maternity leave application?
A maternity leave application is a formal request to your employer for time off to care for yourself and your newborn. It’s essential to plan your leave and submit the email according to company policies.
2. What should be included in an application for maternity leave?
The basic format for a maternity leave letter should include the following things:
- Clear Request: State your intention to take maternity leave in the subject line itself.
- Maternity Leave Compensation: Ask whether it is paid leave or not.
- Dates: Specify your start and end dates.
- Reasons: Briefly explain why you’re taking leave (e.g., childbirth, recovery).
- Work Coverage: Outline how your responsibilities will be handled during your absence.
- Communication: Mention how you’ll stay in touch during your leave.
3. Can my employer deny my maternity leave application?
Yes, if you don't follow company policy, sometimes, the employer might even terminate your job. For instance, if you fail to inform your manager well beforehand, then the company might take strict action against you.
4. When should I submit my maternity leave application?
Submit your maternity leave application in advance, like during the beginning of your third trimester, or as per your company’s guidelines. However, it is best to discuss this with your manager before you draft the email, like 4-5 months before the expected due date. This allows your employer to plan for your absence and arrange for necessary coverage.