Spoiler alert: It’s totally possible—and you’re not alone!

Maternity leave—every pregnant person’s favorite topic when they’re counting down the days until their little one arrives. But let’s face it, the idea of taking time off work is exciting, but then the reality hits. How will I afford to take time off? The dread of not having a paycheck coming in is enough to stress anyone out, especially if paid leave is not on the table. But guess what? It’s totally possible to make maternity leave work even if you don’t have that paid option.

So, how do you survive maternity leave without a paycheck? Let’s break it down, shall we?

1. The Good News: Some Countries Have Got Your Back (Yes, Even Without Paid Leave)

In my country (and probably in many others), if you’re a working parent, the government covers 12 months of maternity leave, and the pay is 100% of your regular salary. So, basically, I didn’t have to stress too much about the financial side. But if you’re in a place where you don’t get that perk, don’t worry—there are still ways to make it work.

2. Budget, Budget, Budget: Start Now to Be Ready Later

If you're not getting paid maternity leave (and the government isn’t covering it either), your best friend is a well-planned budget. It might sound boring, but trust me, it’s worth it. I know, I know—“Budgeting? Who has time for that when you're pregnant?” But seriously, if you can plan ahead, you’ll thank yourself when the time comes. Set aside a small portion of your paycheck every month for a few months before you go on leave. That emergency fund can be your lifesaver.

3. Cut Out the Extras (Bye, Daily Starbucks)

I’m guilty of the occasional “I’m going to grab coffee even though I’ve already had three cups at home” routine, but during maternity leave, every penny counts. Cutting back on unnecessary expenses now will help you have a bit of cushion when the paycheck stops. Think of it as a "nest egg" for your new "mom" chapter. Plus, it feels pretty good knowing that the random splurges are what you won’t miss.

4. Side Hustles and Passive Income: Making Money While You Nap (Kind Of)

Just because you’re taking time off from your regular job doesn’t mean you have to stop making money. You can pick up a side hustle that fits into your schedule. There are a ton of work-from-home options that can give you the flexibility to work around your baby’s nap schedule. From freelancing to starting a blog, you don’t have to start from scratch to make a bit of extra cash.

5. Get Creative with Your Baby Needs (Here’s a Hint: Not Everything Needs to Be Brand New)

You know that never-ending list of baby stuff? I get it. The baby industry is pretty much designed to make us feel like we need all the things. But trust me, baby stuff is expensive. So why not think about alternatives? Consider borrowing from friends or buying gently used items (you’d be surprised how many “like-new” baby things are out there). And if you have a partner, don’t hesitate to ask for help when it comes to baby shopping—you’re both in this together!

6. Get Your Partner on the Same Page

Remember that you’re not doing this alone. Having an open conversation with your partner about finances and expectations is crucial. Discuss what your leave will look like and how both of you can make adjustments during that time. Trust me, it makes a world of difference when you’re both on the same page.

7. Stay Positive and Flexible

Let’s be real—things don’t always go according to plan. But it’s okay. You’re doing your best. No one expects you to have it all figured out, and if you’re making adjustments as you go, that’s okay. Flexibility is key—sometimes, the things we stress over the most, like the "perfect" maternity leave experience, are the things that turn out to be less important in the grand scheme of things.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re blessed with a paid maternity leave plan or need to get a bit creative, there are plenty of ways to survive financially during your maternity leave. The most important thing is planning ahead, cutting back where you can, and keeping an open line of communication with your partner. Take a deep breath, remember you’re not in this alone, and know that with a little planning and a bit of patience, you’ll make it through.