who to talk to first? HR department or boss?

i looked at the employee handbook and the maternity leave policy is not entirely clear (i.e., i am not sure if FMLA is concurrent with sick time, or if can be used in addition to after the sick days have been used up).

i am concerned of going to HR too soon, because rumors can spread. but should i go to them first? maybe the day before i plan to tell my boss?

or should i just tell my boss first, and when i am asked what my maternity plan is just say "i dont know yet"

what's the norm? what is recommended?

Re: who to talk to first? HR department or boss?

I used to work in a school and every job/office/etc. has a different dynamic- but my principal HAD to be the first person to know EVERYTHING that was that kind of news. It was a huge deal if he found out through the grapevine. I would think about what the dynamic is like for your specific boss and take it from there. Good luck!

Re: who to talk to first? HR department or boss?

Tell boss first, you have time to work out FMLA. I talked to them half way through Last time and they laughed saying I had lots of time to discuss this etc but I'm a planner..

Re: who to talk to first? HR department or boss?

I'm HR - usually people tell their boss first. Most of the time their boss tells us before they do!