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I took 12 months with my son and plan on taking 12 months with this baby as well. I ended up extending my son's to 14 months due to childcare. You always have the option to extend the length of time with your work. I'd suggest taking the 12 month payout so that you get all the EI from the government in 12 month, and if you plan on extending your time, just know you won't get paid. If you take the 18 months paid time and go back earlier, you don't end up getting the full amount you should have, which is why it's best to take the 12 month payout
The first time I only took three weeks (huge mistake). The second time I took nine months while my partner took the other three for full benefits. Nine months seemed like a good balance. Of course if we had the money to take the extended benefits we would have.
I will be going back when my son is 16 months
I am taking 13 months, I started my mat leave at 37 weeks and he wasn't born till 40 weeks. Will be going back a bit before his first birthday with 3 months overlap while he is starting daycare. I would love to stay longer but I make more money than my partner so it would be a large financial hit for us if I were to be off longer
Initially took 12 months. Extended my LOA from work even though my maternity EI benefits ran out because we couldn’t find suitable childcare. My baby will be 19 months when I eventually return to work as of right now