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Maternity leave with second baby

10 replies

crumblybiscuits · 05/01/2016 07:04

Just wondering if anyone had any recommendations about when they took maternity leave with their second baby. I work Mon-Fri for four hour shifts so don't get much time with DD1 at the moment. She will be turning 3 end of March and baby is due end of April although I may be induced earlier. I was going to work up to 38/39 weeks but was thinking of taking time off to spend with DD1 before the new arrival. Has anyone else done this? I'm worried I'll regret missing the time at the end with both of them but it will be a big change for DD1 as she will be going from 5 days a week at nursery to just 2/3. Any recommendations would be great.

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Reebok · 05/01/2016 08:22

I'm expecting my second and leaving at 35 weeks...mainly because I've had such a bad pregnancy (hyperemesis, bleeding? Sciatica)...I teach full time and have to commute and hour and 15 minutes each way which is killing me. Absolutely shattered so I think I will need a long break before dd2 arrives. DD1 is absolutely exhausting at the moment (almost 2 and a half). Go when you feel it's right for you!

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Runningupthathill82 · 05/01/2016 08:25

I'm going at 38 weeks, because working - despite being a stressful job - is easier than running after three-year-old DS all day.

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crumblybiscuits · 05/01/2016 10:08

Being at home with DD1 definitely less stressful than working but I have a five mile round walk every day so am exhausted. I'm thinking a break will do me good too. Thanks for input!

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Everythinggettingbigger · 05/01/2016 10:54

Im expecting DS2 and will be finishing at 36+3 weeks, but taking the next 2 as holidays, so technically my official maternity leave starts at 38+3. I was originally planning on working up until the 38/39 week mark but decided to finish earlier for a rest.....the calm before the storm. I work 8 and a half hours a day mon-fri, and commuting takes half an hour/40 mins. DS1 is 5 so is in school full time anyway.

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Threesquids · 05/01/2016 12:47

DS1 - 4 weeks before
DD - left on the Monday, had her on the Friday
DS2 - left on the Thursday, had him on the Friday.

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woundbobbin · 05/01/2016 13:27

I'm officially starting mat leave at 40weeks although have 2 weeks annual leave prior to that so it's really 38. Am really hoping I don't go early because there will be so much to do in those two weeks and as you say it'd be nice to spend some time with dd1 before the next one arrives.
I choose to hang on as long as possible because I want to stay off as long as possible but if I could afford a whole year mat leave I'd prob finish a bit earlier.

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Seeyalater · 14/01/2016 18:07

I'm leaving at 33 weeks, I have a really physical job and just don't think I'll be able to do it. A desk job might be different.

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Littleoakhorn · 14/01/2016 20:09

I'm stopping at 36 weeks. My job is stressful and I need some winding down time. I would also like to spend some time with dd before her world gets turned upside down by the arrival of her brother. I might wish I'd worked longer when I get to the other end but I think that being prepared makes life so much easier.

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chapthedoor · 14/01/2016 20:17

I left at 34 weeks with DD2. Had a full years holidays to take so used all them it was worth it as I had SPD and was struggling even though it's an office job. With DD1 I finished at 36 weeks. I don't know how people work right up.