I've recently learned about California's (and maybe there are other states I don't know about) allowance for a total of 6 months of "bonding time" with baby. I plan on going back to work (don't have an option to be a single-income family) and my company offers 3 months maternity leave and the thought of leaving a thee month-old with a nanny keeps me up at night.

My question is, do you think opting for the additional 3 months via the state would tarnish a good reputation at work? I work as a field executive for a cosmetics company, not an office situation, and I'm worried my employer will frown on itsince there aren't many people to help pick up the slack for that long. However, I'm going to do what's best for our family...I'm just nervous.