FAMLI colorado: A First-Time Mom’s Guide to Maternity Leave in Fort Collins, CO
If you’re pregnant and trying to figure out maternity leave in Fort Collins, you’re probably realizing something quickly: the information exists, but none of it feels simple.
Between state programs, employer policies, paperwork timelines—and the emotional reality of becoming a mom—maternity leave can feel overwhelming, especially with your first baby.
This guide is written for real Fort Collins moms, not HR departments. It covers the logistics you need to know, but also the parts people don’t talk about enough: how to prepare without burning out, where to find community during leave, and how to be present in a season that moves faster than you expect.
No legal jargon. Just a clear, honest look at what maternity leave can actually look like here.
1. how to apply for FAMLI (step by step)
Colorado offers paid family leave through the FAMLI program (Family and Medical Leave Insurance). This applies to both moms and dads when you have a baby. It provides up to 12 weeks of pay during your maternity leave.
Step 1: Confirm Your Employer Is Opted Into FAMLI
Before you apply, check with HR or your employer that they have opted iton Colorado’s FAMLI program. You and your partner will each need to do this separately.
Employers are generally required to participate for any employees who live in Colorado
This includes out-of-state employers, so long as you live in the state of CO
Some smaller and/or out-of-state companies don’t realize this, so it’s worth asking early
If they haven’t opted in yet, this can take time — another reason to start early!
Step 2: Create Your FAMLI Account
You’ll need to apply online through the Colorado FAMLI portal.
When you apply, you’ll be asked for:
Your personal information
Your employer’s information
Your estimated leave start date (you and your partner can choose to take leave at the same same, or different times, as long as it’s within 12 months of the baby’s birth. You are eligible for 12 weeks of paid leave, and it does not need to be continuous if you’d prefer to split it up during different times of the year).
You do not need to have everything perfectly finalized at this stage.
Step 3: Apply After Your Baby Is Born
For bonding leave, you typically apply after your baby arrives.
You’ll submit your application once you’re eligible: https://famli.colorado.gov/individuals-and-families/my-famli
Payment doesn’t start automatically — approval is required by the State of CO.
Processing can take a few weeks, so don’t panic if you don’t hear back immediately
This waiting period is normal, but it’s still frustrating when you’re sleep-deprived — plan for that gap if you can.
Step 4: Coordinate FAMLI With FMLA (If Applicable)
If your employer also offers FMLA, let them know when you plan to be out. Your HR department typically handles the FMLA side, while you handle FAMLI through the state.
FAMLI and FMLA usually run at the same time, but they are not the same thing.
FAMLI provides partial pay (mine was ~60% of full salary) and depends on your family’s income. It’s managed by the State of Colorado.
FMLA provides job protection for up to 12 weeks and is managed by the federal government.
Step 5: Know What You’ll Be Paid
FAMLI does not replace your full paycheck, so be prepared:
Pay is a percentage of your income
Lower-income families generally receive a higher percentage
Payments come from the state, not your employer
This is important for budgeting ahead of time.
If you’re looking for a way to remember this season, I photograph Fort Collins families who want natural, relaxed photos.
2.When to Apply for FAMLI (Timing Matters)
One of the most common mistakes first-time moms make is waiting too long to look into maternity leave.
A realistic timeline many Fort Collins moms follow:
Start researching in your second trimester
Talk to HR early, even if it feels uncomfortable
Apply as soon as you’re eligible after birth
Giving yourself extra buffer time matters more than you think. Paperwork delays are common, and the newborn stage is not when you want administrative stress.
3. Where to meet other moms during pregnancy and maternity leave
Maternity leave isn’t just about time off work—it’s also a huge transition emotionally. This is an incredible time to connect with other moms in Fort Collins.
I met some of my closest friends during pregnancy and my child’s first year. A few great local ways to meet other parents:
Fit4Mom NoCo – Fitness classes where babies in strollers are always welcome
Raised with Respect – Weekly playgroups with guided conversations for parents
Foothills Childbirth Education – Labor and postpartum classes (we’re still in touch with families we met here!)
Mom Walk Collective – Regular walks, playdates, and meetups
Peanut App – Like Bumble, but for mom friends
Bumble BFF
Local Facebook groups like NOCO Moms, Moms of FOCO, and Fort Collins Moms
Even one consistent group can make maternity leave feel far less isolating.
3. my biggest Tip to New Moms:
My biggest regret during maternity leave was telling myself I was “too tired” to get newborn photos taken. Before I knew it, my leave was over—and my baby was no longer a newborn.
That season deserves to be remembered too. Not because it’s perfect, but because it’s foundational. Time is fleeting, and the newborn days don’t come back.
My biggest tip to new moms: schedule your newborn photoshoot before you give birth.
Many photographers (including myself) will tentatively schedule a session within the first two weeks of your baby’s life. If your baby arrives early, late, or there are health-related changes, the date can be adjusted. Most photographers will come to your home, or offer a simple studio option—so you don’t have to think about it during those early, hazy days.
4. final thoughts
You don’t need to have maternity leave figured out perfectly. You just need enough clarity to let yourself rest and be present.
And if you’re looking for a way to remember this season, I photograph Fort Collins families who want natural, relaxed photos that feel like real life—not posed perfection.
