Maternity protection (Mutterschutz) safeguards pregnant and breastfeeding employees as well as mothers after delivery. It is governed by the Maternity Protection Act (MuSchG). Protection periods apply six weeks before and eight weeks after delivery (twelve weeks in case of multiple births, premature births and births of children with disabilities). Work is forbidden during these periods – with the exception of voluntary work before birth.
Employers have extensive duties: employment bans for hazardous tasks, adaptation of the workplace, protection of the pregnant employee and a strong dismissal protection rule – dismissals during pregnancy and four months after delivery are almost ruled out.
Financially, employees receive maternity pay from the health insurer plus an employer top-up, so the net income before the protection period is preserved. Self-employed people must arrange protection through private insurance.
Lunigi also caters to women around maternity protection and parental leave who are looking for predictable, family-friendly roles – curated matches from education, social services and public service play a particular role here.