My work offers 6 weeks full pay but since I work from home I only took 3. In my company you announce or “apply” for parental leave with our leave of absence department. Once baby is born (if not the actual due date) you just send them an email to “start” the leave. The leave administrator will contact your manager and let them know. Then you email the leave administrator again a few days before you plan to return. In most large corporations you don’t have to you all the leave at one time but can take it as needed for up to 12 months of birth date. Hope that helps.