Are you expecting a baby or navigating early motherhood while balancing your career? In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow Podcast, Lalaina Rabary is joined by attorneys Amy Beckstead and Connie Ditto from the Beckstead Terry Ditto law firm to talk about the legal rights every working mom should know.
Amy and Connie break down the US. legal landscape around pregnancy, maternity leave, breastfeeding rights, short-term disability, and parental protections at work. From federal laws like the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and PUMP Act to newer state-specific benefits and policies, this episode demystifies your rights in a system that too often leaves moms confused and under-supported.
You’ll find resources that can expand on the conversation in this episode further down. The content of this episode should not be considered legal advice.
Episode Highlights
- 01:05 Basic Legal Protections for Expectant Moms
- 02:54 Navigating Conversations with Employers
- 05:40 Understanding State-Specific Protections
- 08:37 Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Explained
- 10:36 What Happens When You Might Be Laid-Off?
- 14:32 What Legal Help Should Moms Be Looking For?
- 16:05 FAQs About the Pump Act and Breastfeeding
- 20:07 What About Breastfeeding in Public?
- 23:06 What is Equal Baby Bonding Time
- 27:22 Resources and Encouragement for Moms
About the Guests: Amy Beckstead and Connie Ditto
Amy Beckstead is an employment attorney licensed in both Texas and California, and Connie Ditto is a litigation attorney and mediator. Together, they’re part of the team at Beckstead Terry Ditto, a law firm based in Austin, Texas.
Connect With Us
Amy Beckstead and Connie Ditto
Website
Resources Mentioned:
About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond. Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.
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Narrated by Abbe Opher
Music by Sokratis Seirlis
What is Momcozy Village - Together We Grow?
Welcome to the Momcozy Village - Together We Grow. Dive into candid conversations with host Natalie Gouché, alongside maternity experts and remarkable moms. Together, we'll explore the highs and lows of motherhood and uncover new possibilities for personal growth.
In each episode, you'll have the opportunity to hear practical parenting tips tailored to your needs, inspiring mom stories, and receive essential tips on self-care and personal development. Discover how to thrive while nurturing both your baby and yourself in our community.
Raise a child, nurture yourself. Embark on this journey of support, connection, joy, and self-discovery with us!