In this episode, I’m joined by Akiko Thayer, founder of Maternity Leave 411 and a Certified Leave Management Specialist, who has made it her mission to help new parents maximize their maternity and paternity leave in California. Akiko knows firsthand how overwhelming and confusing navigating leave can be—between state laws, federal protections, wage replacement programs, and unprepared HR departments, many parents end up leaving precious time (and money) on the table. Her work ensures families get the full benefits and bonding time they deserve.
When Akiko went on maternity leave with her first child, she was shocked at how little clear information was available online—and even more surprised at how little her HR department understood about California leave laws. What should have been a time of joy was instead filled with stress and confusion. That frustration fueled her mission: to advocate for employees and provide them with easy-to-understand, actionable information to maximize their time at home with their babies.
Through Maternity Leave 411, Akiko has helped hundreds of expectant moms and dads understand exactly how much leave they are eligible for, how long they will be paid, and how to have effective conversations with HR—even when their employer doesn’t know the law themselves. She believes no parent should have to cut their bonding time short because of misinformation or lack of support.
🌙 Why Maternity Leave 411 Matters 🌙
California has some of the strongest protections for expectant employees in the U.S., but the laws are complex and often misunderstood. Here’s why Akiko’s expertise is so vital: Leave duration varies for each person, depending on overlapping state and federal protections. California is one of the few states offering wage replacement through State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL). Out-of-state employers and HR reps often misunderstand California law, leaving employees under-informed. Many employees don’t realize how to combine different leave programs to maximize time at home. Akiko breaks down these complicated systems so parents can feel informed and empowered—not intimidated—when discussing leave with their employers. Her advice has helped families take every day they are entitled to before and after baby’s birth.
💡 In this episode, we talk about: The biggest mistakes parents make when planning maternity/paternity leave in California How to decode SDI and PFL benefits without feeling overwhelmed What to say when HR or your boss gives you the wrong information How to ensure you don’t return to work earlier than necessary Why every minute of leave matters for bonding, recovery, and mental health Akiko’s passion is clear: helping parents spend as much time as possible with their newborns. Her mission is simple—don’t leave leave on the table.
📚 About Akiko’s Background & Credentials 📚
BA in Psychology, Boston University Certified Leave Management Specialist California Law HR Specialty Credential Certificate of Achievement: Leave of Absence, California Since 2015, Akiko has been equipping families with knowledge of their rights and paid leave options. Her work has transformed countless experiences, giving new parents the confidence to stand firm with HR, maximize benefits, and prioritize what matters most—those first precious weeks and months at home with baby.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode. Learn more at Maternity Leave 411 and discover how you can maximize your leave, protect your benefits, and spend the time with your baby that you’re entitled to.
https://www.maternityleave411.com/about
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