Hi girls,

How long are you leaving it until you start Maternity Leave (including Annual Leave!)

I finish 7/11... which gives me two weeks until due date (using annual leave and then Mat leave kicks in on the actual due date? is this long enough or should I change it before its too late....??????

I work in an office and I was thinking two weeks before Mat leave/Annual leave is due to start i'd break my hours down to maybe 6 a day.... which will not make it such a long slog of a day....... what does everyone think? Am I being silly thinking i can work that close? or is it pretty realistic?

Help!

xxxx

Hi Em

i Think everyone is different, but on the whole you have to listen to you body a bit. It will tell you if you are struggling. working in an office sitting down might mean you can go on a bit longer, but don't overdo it!
This is my 2nd child and i ended up going off sick at 32 weeks last time around, but i had a huge bump and my job is very much on my feet. My son was born weighing over 10lbs at 37 weeks!
I knew this time around i would need to finish about the same time. I have been able to save up all my annaul leave to take as a block, so I don't officially go on maternity leave until 36 weeks, which for me is the w/c 5th October.
In the back of my mind was the thought that i was also carrying large again. I have really been stuggling with work these last few weeks and i am really pleased that i have decided to go off when i have as I think i would have stuggled to continue and i don't really want to run the risk of causing any harm to either myself or baby.

good luck with your decision
Lainer

I think it really depends on how you’re feeling. If you’re feeling ok and your job doesn’t involve too much strenuous activity then I think it’s ok to take leave close to your due date. I’ve had a bit of a rough time of it so will be taking 18 days annual leave (last day is 21st October) and starting my mat leave on the Sunday after my due date (due on Friday 14th, mat leave starts on Sunday 16th) so that I get as much leave as possible after he’s born and as much pay as possible too lol

I know people who have worked right up until their due date. Don’t let other people sway your decision; if that’s when you want to take your leave then that’s when you should take it hun.

I'm going 3 weeks before my due date (using annual leave up) and mat leave starts on my due date. I work full time in an office, I thought that would be more than enough time - infact I wondered if I was being easy on myself!!!

I have a friend (1st time mum) who is working up to one week before! she only works 3 days a week thou, but she's a teacher.

I think it totally depends on the person, as Tequila said. Is your work flexible with the annual leave? if they are, maybe see how you're feeling nearer the time..

Yes I think you are all right... I will see how I go - had some interesting news at the last midwives appointment and may have to start earlier than expected..but will wait until the end of sept for results etc.

Teq - If your Maternity leave starts a week AFTER little J is born, wont you lose your annual leave if he comes on time?

xx

I'm only starting it 2 days after his due date so I won't lose my leave, unless of course he comes extra early then I'll lose it all!

i'm leaving on 23rd october and only taking a day's holiday - my actual mat leave starts on 27th october. i've asked my annual leave to be paid to me rather than take it as i don't qualify for SMP.

so i've got 4 weeks before the baby is due. at the moment it feels like i'm being really easy on myself but i am getting gradually more tired and i'm getting less and less tired as bump gets bigger and kicks me more as i'm just not getting my beloved 8 hours sleep

i'm just looking forward to doing a bit of nesting, going to some mum's and bumps coffee mornings and generally charging my batteries for when the baby's due. fingers crossed he/she doesn't arrive late

My last day is 8th October (35 wks) but taking AL until 27th when I start mat leave (nearly 38wks). Have only got about 16 days left in the office Yippeeeeee

Tequilla
Has your HR dept allowed you to start your mat leave after your due date on you mat b1. My company has stated that by law i must start my mat leave by the sun before due date, as it works on a week format sun to sun as opposed to day format. Make sure you dont looase the leave your entiltled to get it in writing.
Nikki

Right, I've finally decided that my last day at work will be Tues 28th October - bb due 26th Nov. Woo hoo!
xxx