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Mat leave
I just want opinions on how people have felt around this time as this is my first baby. I have put in my last day at work and it works out I will be 38 weeks. Is this being to ambitious, should I change it to maybe 36 or even 35?? I know it's a personal choice, but if anyone could help on what they are doing that would be nice.
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This time I am leaving at 37 weeks - I only do 3 days anyway and that's only 9 weeks away!!! Eek!! But for me it was more that 37 weeks fell at the end of the month so seemed like a good place to stop! I've also been pretty ok through my 2nd trimester and into my third with no SPD or high blood pressure and I sit at a desk all day so not too much activity!!
Sorry to waffle, it really does depend on you - but I would say I was definitly fine to work till 38 weeks last time and would be this time and the longer you work the more time you have at hom with the baby not on your own!!!
This is my first baby too and I struggled with when to leave.Im due march 14th and was going to leave Feb 17th so 4 weeks early if she comes on time! But then about a month ago I started to get really tired, I dont sleep and I start work at 8 so get up around 6.30 then drive to work, I found it too much. So im leaving on Jan 31st, I'll be 34 weeks then. I want some time to myself and to see friends and go get last bits with my mum etc. My holiday runs from Jan to Dec so I am taking 3 weeks holiday then starting my mat leave in mid Feb anyway so it doesnt affect my return to work date.
Last time I planned to start mat leave at 38 weeks but when it came down to it I left at 36 as I was exhausted. But I worked FT as a teacher so was on my feet all day and constantly juggling a million things. This time I'm leaving at 36+2 as that is when half term is, but my mat leave doesnt start till 37+6 which is a nice bonus!
The one thing I will say is that I LOVED having that time before my son arrived (@39+4), it was so nice to have "me" time & be able to read, go swimming, sleep in etc. whilst I had the chance.
Xx
This time I'm working til 37+2. hoping baby doesn't come early. Again so far I feel fab.
It's Hard to advise when you should stop. I based mine on how much annual leave I had, how I was feeling and how long I'd be on mat leave to try and make best use of time.
If you go into labour before your official due date (and you are leaving on your due date) your mat leave will automatically me calculated from the day you gave birth anyway.... at least that's how I understand it.
I took two week off before due date last time... and then I was two weeks overdue... so at home twiddling my thumbs going totally insane for a month. Not doing that again. Rather be knackered and at work ( I only do part time anyway so not so bad)
However. we could be moving in the next few weeks so if we do I want to go off earlier to sort out packing the house up - Has anyone gone off earlier than scheduled for any previous maternity leave? How does it work? Do I need a doctor's note?