Timing of Maternity Leave

Hi Reonie,

I decided to take off two weeks before my due date (I have two weeks annual leave left so technically my maternity leave started on my due date). I developed hectic swelling about 3 weeks before my due date, so I just couldnt bare going to work anymore. But I ended up having a c-section a week before my due date.

Was really nice having that week to myseld before baby arrived.

Exactly the same problem, what did you do?

HBw, I have also decided to do it like that. I have 12 working days annual leave left that I can take, so will first take that and then start with the maternity leave. Will speak to my doctor about it at my next scan.

Deciding on how long to take off before baby comes is a personal decision. Im taking two weeks annual leave (i have alot accumulated) and then my actual maternity leave only starts after baby due date. I was planning on working till last day, but my hospital to far and out of ML's way if i do go into labour. Im also very fortunate that I technically only have one more week of actual work to do, then i will only supervise the lady taking over from me, due to having to train her so she will be ready to handle 4 months without me so she will do everything and i will have stress free days until i go on leave. I know not everyone so lucky, but its worth asking your employer if you can hand over a part of your work load a few weeks before baby due. Will help with the exhaustion.

Faffymom, you can def ask your doctor to book you off. I am not sure for how long he/she can book you off, but you should def speak to him/her about it.

I also get four months maternity leave. I have two weeks annual leave that I want to add to that, but I still have to go and speak to HR about it to hear what they say. Max I want to take before due date is two weeks. My supervisor suggested I take of from 1 May (baby due 25 May) but that is WAY too early for me.

How much maternity leave do you ladies get?

I am due in 4 and half weeks and I am feeling exhausted and stressed and I can't handle being at work anymore...But I don't want to use my maternity leave early because baby will have to go to creche when I go back to work after 4 months. If I take off now and baby only comes near or after due date then he will be so young going to creche..and most don't even take babies below 4 months old. So now I want to use 5 days of my annual leave (all I have at the moment)...but that means I must still stay at work for 3 and half weeks. Do you think I could ask my doc to write a note so I can use sick leave for a week and therefore only stay at work for another 2 and half weeks and then just relax a bit before due date. Arggg I don't even care about work at all anymore..I just want to be at home

IreneL, I'm also exhausted! I sleep now more than ever and my energy levels are at an all time low!! Thanks, will join the group.