Disclosure Guide

Before You Say Anything: Questions to Ask Yourself

• Am I comfortable sharing this now, or would I prefer to wait?
• Do I plan to continue working through treatment or pregnancy?
• Will I need time off, reduced hours, or flexibility?
• Am I emotionally ready for different reactions (supportive, neutral, or negative)?
• What is my ideal outcome from this conversation?
• Do I have a backup plan if my position changes unexpectedly?

Practical Planning

• Will treatments or pregnancy impact your physical capacity at work (lifting, long hours)?
• Do you have a doctor's note or medical schedule that may support your case?
• Prepare backup options in case of emergencies (temporary coverage, reduced hours).
• How much detail do you want to share early in treatment or pregnancy?

What to Say: Framing the Conversation

• “I want to share something important that may affect my availability in the future.”
• “I’m going through fertility treatment and will need to attend appointments. I’m committed to being upfront and working together on a plan.”
• “I’m expecting, and while this is early news, I want to be respectful of your family’s needs as well as my own.”

Questions to Ask the Parents

• Would you be open to temporary adjustments if needed (part-time, reduced lifting)?
• Would paid leave be possible if I need time off for treatment, recovery, or postpartum?
• Would you consider keeping my position open for my return after leave?
• Would you be open to me bringing the baby to work in the future (if safe and appropriate)?
• What matters most to you during this transition: continuity, flexibility, or something else?

Know Your Rights (U.S. Based)

• Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA): Employers with 15+ employees cannot discriminate based on pregnancy.
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Protects eligible workers for unpaid leave.
• New York Paid Family Leave (PFL): May apply to part-time nannies.
• California Paid Leave & Disability: Short-term disability and PFL for pregnancy.

Contracts Still Matter

• Add terms for unpaid or paid leave to your work agreement.
• Clarify policies around pregnancy disclosure and return-to-work expectations.
• Discuss temporary or backup care planning.

Where to Get Help

• A Better Balance: Free legal help for workers
• National Domestic Workers Alliance