Are you looking for ways to earn extra income while on unpaid maternity leave?

Make Money on Maternity Leave could be the answer to your financial concerns during this period.

With up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, finding a way to earn some extra cash can be crucial for many families.

While some may have the luxury of paid maternity leave or family leave, others may need to explore different options to earn money online or through passive income sources.

Whether you are a mom on maternity leave or taking a paternity leave, there are various ways you can make money during this time.

13 Ways to Make Money on Maternity Leave

During maternity leave, it is always beneficial to find ways to earn extra money to supplement your maternity pay. By taking advantage of paid leave and exploring different ways to make money online, you can make some extra cash and ensure a stable income during maternity leave.

There are great ways to make extra money and earn extra cash when you are unable to work due to health reasons or the birth of a child which are as follows:

1. Freelance writing

Freelance writing is a great way to make money while on maternity leave.

With the Family and Medical Leave Act allowing parents to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid parental leave, finding a way to earn some extra money is essential.

By becoming an online tutor or starting an online business, you can ensure you make some extra money while on maternity or paternity leave.

Freelance writing allows you to earn cash online and can be a source of passive income.

Whether you want to make money or need to earn some extra money on maternity leave, freelance writing is a reliable way to get paid, so you don’t have to worry about money while on unpaid maternity or medical leave.

2. Take Surveys

Taking surveys is a great way to make money, especially if you are on parental leave or medical leave. Many companies offer paid family and medical leave, but sometimes it may not be enough to cover expenses.

You can get paid and earn cash while on maternity or paternity leave by participating in online surveys. It’s a source of passive income that allows you to earn some extra money without having to worry about finances.

You can take up to 12 weeks of family and medical leave and still be able to make money by completing online surveys.

Whether you are an online tutor or running an online business, participating in online surveys is a great way to make money.

Even if you are on unpaid maternity, you can still earn cash by taking online surveys. Family and Medical Leave Act may not always offer paid maternity leave, so it’s important to ensure you make extra money while on maternity to cover expenses.

3. Sell Stuff

Selling stuff can be a great way to earn money while taking care of your child during maternity leave.

You can learn how to make money by selling items online, such as clothes, toys, or even handmade crafts.

By selling stuff, you can earn a commission on each sale and make money even while you are at home.

This can be one of the best ways to make money during your maternity leave, especially if you do not have paid maternity leave benefits or are unable to take unpaid maternity leave.

Additionally, you may be able to make money from home and not have to leave your home to earn money on the side. Selling stuff is a great way to manage your money and make money while taking care of your child.

4. Start a Blog

Starting a blog can be a great way to earn money, especially if you focus on issues regarding pregnancy. This way, you can make money even while taking care of your newborn and avoid the financial stress that often comes with sick leave.

By sharing your own experiences or providing valuable information to other expecting mothers, you can learn how to make money through various avenues. For example, you could earn a commission by promoting maternity products or writing sponsored content.

Additionally, you may be able to make money from home while on paid maternity leave or paid parental leave.

Instead of having to take unpaid maternity leave and worry about finances, you can make money during your maternity leave and manage your money effectively.

Whether you need to make money for unexpected expenses or simply want to earn some extra cash, starting a blog about pregnancy can help you make money while taking care of your little one.

5. Tutor

Tutor is a great way to earn extra income while on maternity leave.

Many new mothers find themselves wondering how to make money while they are on maternity leave, and tutoring is a flexible way to earn money at the same time.

By sharing your knowledge and skills with others, you can earn a full-time income or simply make extra money to make ends meet.

The Family Medical Leave Act allows for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, so finding opportunities to make money during this time can make things easier financially.

Whether you choose to tutor students in person or online, there are plenty of ideas for how to make money by sharing your expertise.

6. Transcriptionist

Transcriptionist is a great way to earn extra money while you’re on maternity leave.

The Family Medical Leave Act allows for paid or unpaid time off for new parents, but many people struggle to make ends meet with reduced income.

Becoming a transcriptionist can help you earn a full-time income from home, providing a flexible way to earn money while taking care of your family.

There are plenty of opportunities to make money by sharing your transcription skills with others, and it’s a great way to make things easier financially during your maternity leave side.

If you’re wondering how to make money while you’re on maternity leave, consider becoming a transcriptionist to supplement your income while still being able to focus on your family.

7. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a popular way for mothers to make extra money on maternity leave or anytime.

By partnering with a company or brand, you can promote products or services through your channels and earn a commission for each sale or referral you generate. This can be done through social media, blogs, websites, or email marketing.

The key to success in affiliate marketing is to choose products or services that align with your brand and audience, ensuring that you are promoting something you believe in.

Additionally, providing valuable content and building trust with your audience can help increase conversions and make extra money on maternity leave.

Overall, affiliate marketing can be a flexible and lucrative way to earn passive income.

8. Proofreader

Proofreader plays a vital role in the publishing industry, ensuring that written content is free of errors before it goes to print or is published online.

As a proofreader, attention to detail is key as you meticulously review spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting. This role requires a strong command of the English language and excellent communication skills.

If you love reading, becoming a proofreader can be a fulfilling job where you get to immerse yourself in text all day.

Additionally, if you find yourself on maternity leave, you can take advantage of the flexibility of proofreading jobs to earn money from the comfort of your own home.

It’s a great way to stay active in your field while still being able to rest and earn as well.

9. Start a Podcast

Start a podcast featuring interviews with mothers of different backgrounds, whether they are new to motherhood or have years of experience.

This podcast would provide a platform for mothers to share their unique stories, struggles, and triumphs with a supportive community.

Each episode could focus on a different theme related to motherhood, such as balancing work and family life, dealing with societal expectations, or navigating the challenges of raising children in today’s world.

Moreover, By highlighting the diverse experiences of mothers, the podcast could offer valuable insights and support to the new Moms.

From discussing practical parenting tips to exploring deeper emotional issues, the conversations on this podcast could resonate with a wide range of mothers and create a sense of solidarity and understanding among its audience.

10. Create Online Courses

Maternity leave is a great opportunity to explore new interests and even start a side business. Creating online courses has become increasingly popular due to the flexibility and accessibility it offers to both students and instructors.

Online courses allow individuals to learn at their own pace, from anywhere in the world, and on any device.

This has opened up a world of opportunities for people to expand their knowledge and skills, regardless of their location or schedule.

With the rise of e-learning platforms and tools, creating online courses has become easier than ever before. Instructors can design interactive and engaging content, incorporate multimedia elements, and track students’ progress in real time.

Additionally, By harnessing the power of technology, educators can reach a wider audience and make learning more enjoyable and effective.

Whether you are a professional looking to share your expertise or a student eager to learn something new, creating an online course can be a rewarding experience for both parties.

11. Sell Printables

As a creative outlet during maternity leave, selling printables can be a great way to earn some extra income while staying at home with your new baby.

Designing and creating printables can be done on your schedule, allowing you to work around feedings and naps.

You can create a variety of printables such as calendars, meal planners, and organizational tools to sell on platforms like Etsy or your website.

Selling printables can also provide you with a sense of accomplishment and purpose while on maternity leave.

The flexibility of selling printables online means you can work from anywhere, whether it’s from the comfort of your home or while on the go with your baby. This can be a rewarding way to stay productive and creative during this special time.

12. Write ebooks

Writing ebooks during maternity leave can be a great way to utilize the extra time at home while also generating some income.

With a growing number of people turning to ebooks for information and entertainment, there is a high demand for new content.

Maternity leave provides a unique opportunity for mothers to channel their creativity and expertise into writing ebooks on a wide range of topics.

Whether it’s a parenting guide, a recipe book, or a fiction novel, the possibilities are endless.

By writing ebooks during maternity leave, mothers can not only stay intellectually engaged but also potentially build a passive income stream that can continue even after they return to work.

13. Food Critique

Motherhood is a transformative journey filled with new responsibilities and challenges, one of which includes nourishing oneself and the growing baby during maternity leave.

As a food critic during this time, it is essential to prioritize healthy and nutritious meals that not only satisfy cravings but also support the overall well-being of both mother and child.

Experimenting with different flavors and ingredients can add excitement to meal times while ensuring a balanced diet along with a way to earn money by cooking .

Paying attention to portion sizes and incorporating a variety of food groups can help maintain energy levels and promote proper growth and development.

It is important to listen to the body’s cravings and signals, while also being mindful of the quality and source of he footd being consumed.

How Much Do You Make Money While on Maternity Leave?

During your maternity leave, it can be challenging to make money from home while taking care of your newborn.

The percentage of women who stated that their health or well-being during their pregnancy or maternity leave was impacted by financial concerns also increased, rising from 56% in 2022 to 57% in 2023 and 65% in 2024.

However, there are ways to earn a commission or learn how to make money during this time. If you are lucky enough to have paid family leave or paid parental leave benefits, you may be able to make some money on the side.

It is also possible to make money through various online opportunities that allow you to make money even when you leave your home. If you need to make money during your maternity leave, it is important to manage your money wisely and make money while taking care of your baby.

One of the best ways to earn money during maternity leave includes taking on freelance work, starting a small business, or investing in online opportunities that allow you to make money from home. Additionally, if you have sick leave or paid maternity leave benefits, you may be able to take unpaid maternity leave without worrying about losing money during your maternity leave.

Wrapping Up

There are several ways to earn money during maternity leave. New mothers need to explore and consider all options available to them to support themselves financially while taking time off from work to care for their newborns. Whether it is through freelance work, selling handmade items, taking online surveys, or participating in a direct sales business, there are opportunities for women to supplement their income during this period.