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Yep savings are the only way.
Save, go back to work sooner than 12 months, use KIT days to bring money in and use annual leave to extend your paid time off. I think some people claim UC too but I’m not sure how that works.
I'm on smp at the moment and I squirmed a lot when I saw my first payslip! Lots of saving, buying baby stuff and maternity stuff from vinted or fb groups (also selling stuff), using KIT days and/or extending mat leave with holiday and just being conscious of money. I go back to work full time at the end of April and my LO will be 7.5 months old. It's unrealistic for me to have more time off as I am the main earner. When you're on mat leave there are lots of free classes to attend and things like taking a hot drink on a walk with you rather than buying a coffee all add up x
Save. Buy from Vinted. Start a baby wish list on Amazon and ask family and friends for things off there that you actually need rather than useless rubbish. Don’t follow influencers who try to convince you that you need things. Try to breastfeed it will save you a fortune. Look into what benefits you may be entitled to. If you are in work double check that there is no maternity benefits from your employer, if not in work look for a job with maternity pay and don’t get pregnant until you qualify.
Exactly what @Elena said! Save save save the difference in expenses for the time you are going to be off for and more.
I know it can take you time to get pregnant, but I sadly saw a lot of posts of women on maternity leave, struggling financially. So really, do your math and save accordingly. Check your company policy, they might offer maternity allowance. Buy only baby items that you need and for cheaper on Vinted, especially baby clothes. You can find them brand new for cheaper. Do a baby shower with a list of items you need. I have a generous maternity allowance from my company and still save money to allow me to stay as long as I want with my baby. Check as well daycare and how much it we I'll cost you Having children is as amazing as it is expensive
Save before you go in leave. See where you can cut down on expenses
Save save save.