Maternity leave

When are you all thinking of taking maternity leave? I broke up 2 weeks before baby’s due date the first time but with a toddler I don’t know if I should just take that extra time before? I’ll be booked in for a c section so at least this time I’ll know when baby is due.

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I’ve booked a weeks AL and then going straight on Mat leave the day before my due date. I’m only entitled to SMP as I miss been employed in my job for 3 years by a week which would have meant I’d of got 12 weeks full pay 🥲 planning on Mat leave ending 30th Nov & then using the rest of my AL for the year to take all of December off. My hols run Jan-dec so then will use AL for all of January!

Also planning for an elective c-section 🥰

Planning on taking 3-4 weeks annual leave and then starting mat leave. My first was early so ideally I'd like a bit of time off before this baby arrives!

@Olivia Oh no!! 😟 How annoying that you miss it by just a week!! Employers really do need to step up. Hope everything goes well for you lovely 🥰 I’m so scared of the thought of a c section this time around!

@Ruth I think I’m being very optimistic that I will want to work up until 2 weeks before. I feel like I’ve already mentally checked out lol

I worked til 34 weeks last time and will probably do the same this time round. Having a toddler is so exhausting so I'll probably need some extra rest when he's at nursery. I'll also have a csection this time after an emergency csection last time so I want to make the most of that time before baby comes x

Last time I did 39 weeks, but I was working from home at the time. Unsure about this time around, perhaps 38 weeks just to ensure I have everything organised and get a bit of rest in x

I worked till 38 weeks last time, and baby arrived at 38+2, so I didn’t get any down time! This time round I’m going off a fair bit earlier, as I want some one on one time with my toddler and some time whilst he’s in nursery to let myself relax. We’ve also got a policy at work that means it works out slightly better for me to start Mat leave on the last day of Feb, when I’ll be 34 weeks

I’m thinking of officially being on mat leave at 34 weeks. I have a one year old so I’m wanting to spend a bit more quality time with him before baby comes. I’m also thinking I’ll be exhausted by then too.