'Maternity leave', 'Career break', how do I say it?

[shroomer]

I am going on 'maternity leave' from Jan to Oct. I've put it in quotes because I am self-employed and therefore I'm not taking leave from anyone! I don't get any maternity leave (I'll get an allowance from the gov). I want to start warning people in my email signature about my forthcoming leave, but it doesn't feel right using the words 'Maternity leave'; and I especially hate the term 'Career break' because it implies that my baby will some second to my career. Any advice?

[oranges]

just say maternity leave. No one needs to know who's paying you.

[hoops997]

'parental leave' does that sound a bit better?

[GuernseyFrench]

I will say maternity leave or would you prefer family time?

[MrsJamin]

Call a spade a spade - it's maternity leave, this is a lot more understandable than anything else.

[Derbydolly]

Yes, you are leaving work for maternal reasons so it's easier to say that - everyone will know what you mean. Plus, if you say 'parental leave' or 'career break' peeps might not realise what you are on about so you'd get less presents!!

[shroomer]

Have decided on 'maternity break'. Thanks for all your posts.

[BlueChampagne]

Sabbatical?