Update: our baby has arrived and I am still on unpaid leave and have bills due this month that I do not have any incoming checks for. We could really use the help to pay our bills for this month. I return to work in two weeks but will not see a paycheck until two weeks after that. 

We are newlyweds that are expecting our first baby in the next 3 weeks. I’ve started a new job about a month ago working for a military base, and unfortunately, have not been here long enough to qualify for FMLA/Maternity Leave. I’ve gone through the process to try and get approved for advanced leave but was denied as the higher-ups do not believe I would “pay back” the leave or stay with the job after giving birth. My role was also denied for a telework option.

My husband was going to be the stay-at-home caregiver for our newborn as I would make enough to take care of the 3 of us. However, without having paid leave, I would not be able to cover our expenses as we do not have a savings account set up. We are only looking for assistance covering the costs of our regular expenses if I were to try and take the average 6-week leave for recovery. I am fearful that I may have to return to work much sooner since I will not be able to afford our monthly expenses. We cannot afford daycare, which is why it was easier to have my husband be our caregiver and gives us more peace of mind. We appreciate anything.