MELANIE NINOVIC
BECOMING A MUM: A GUIDE FOR FIRST-TIME WORKING PARENTS by Melanie Ninovic, Senior Consultant at ParaFlare Choosing to have kids and establishing, or sustaining,
Starting a family is one of the most exciting times
a career is no easy feat. More shocking, to my surprise,
of your life, but there are a few factors you need to
is that this journey is hardly ever spoken about.
consider before embarking on this journey. Here is a list to help guide you from pre-pregnancy to
Unfortunately, I felt I had few people to turn to in the
maternity leave.
cybersecurity industry for help. I tried to do my own research but there was barely anything out there to
PRE-PREGNANCY
prepare me, as an expectant working mother, for what was to come.
Private health insurance If you choose to give birth at a private hospital you
Thus, I thought I’d write about my experience in the
must have private health insurance. With most
hope of helping other men and women wanting to
providers there is a 12 month waiting period for
start a family. This will serve as a guide on what to
pregnancy claims. This means you need to have been
look out for and what you need to consider when you
covered by private health insurance for a full year
are planning to start a family, or you already have a
before you give birth.
child in your care. Secondly, your cover does not include obstetrician Disclaimer: Because I lived in Australia throughout
costs. My fees were around the $3500 mark, but
this experience, the information provided is based on
I’ve heard from others that these can be up to $10k.
Australian laws and regulations. I am neither a lawyer
This is a fee you will need to include in your financial
nor an accountant, so please talk to a professional.
planning.
I also acknowledge I have been very lucky throughout
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this journey. I know others will not have the same
Government paid parental leave
straightforward path to motherhood as I did (in terms
As of writing (July 2022), the Parental Leave Pay
of pregnancy, financial situation, both parents
scheme provides a minimum wage payment for up
working from home and a very supportive and
to 18 weeks if you are the primary caregiver. This is
helpful husband).
about $812 a week. However, you will only be eligible
W O M E N I N S E C U R I T Y M A G A Z I N E
S E P T E M B E R • O C T O B E R 2022
