AIBU for starting my maternity leave early.

[InnocentRedhead]

I have being wanting to ask this for a while. I am currently 21w PG and due 20/02/12.

I was hoping to leave my maternity leave to as late as possible, preferably working up until around the 10th (if it was possible and I wasn't suffering too much) However my DSD mother has to go into hospital in mid January-ish and I know me and DP will be looking after her for up to 2weeks. I can take the option to start my leave then to lower childcare costs etc.

So AIBU to start it early (and have less time when my baby is actually here) or should I start it when I want?

Take it when you need it.

You still accrue annual leave whilst you are on maternity leave, so you could maybe add a few weeks holiday onto the end of your maternity, so rather than lose 4 weeks, you only loose 1/2?

YANBU. If you need to, take it!