to want to take a full year's maternity leave?

[Newmummytobe79]

I planned to take 39 weeks.

Whilst pregnant and working I saved like mad so that I could pay my half of the bills but luckily DH has recieved an increase which means I'm now paying 25% v his 75%. He knows I saved up but is happy to pay his increased amount and has told me to keep it just incase we need it for something.

I'm on SMP and we don't have a lavish lifestyle but get by.

I've been budgeting really well and up to now I've not had to touch my savings - except for Christmas and I plan to use some on a family holiday next year.

If, and it's a big touch wood if, things continue as they are ... I may be able to cover my share of the bills in the remaining weeks when SMP stops and I would be going back to work. We'd like for me to work part-time (if feasable) and are very very lucky that family have offered childcare as/when we need it.

Am I being unfair to him as we'd have more money if I go back to work or will it be good for our baby for me to be at home for nearly all of the first year?

I want to discuss it with him - and I'm sure he'll support me either way - but just wondered if I'm being unreasonable to keep the family income low so that I can stay at home with baby for the full 52 weeks?

Just to clarify - I didn't work more whilst pregnant, I just saved more than I usually would (eg - usually being nothing! )

We work as a team and he more than pays his way - I just put as much money away as I could so if we had any worst case scenarios, we'd be ok.

Why would you be paying half the bills if you're not being paid? But you seem to have finances happily sorted out between the two of you, you can afford it, and you want to ... so what's the problem having a year? Doesn't sound unreasonable to me.

Absolutely take a year off if you can afford to! I took a year- (10 weeks before and approx 10 months afterwards.) It was the happiest time of my life!

YANBU - but you don't have to decide for definite right now, do you? You can always extend your leave to a full year nearer the time.

I took a full year off and although we were on a low income, we just about got by, and I've never regretted it for a second. They really grow so quickly and babyhood just flies by - you will never have that time again, nor such an opportunity to spend time off with your loved ones, whilst being employed.

Good for you and really really good for baby! Do it! You won't want to leave once baby comes anyway.

Will the men in your place of work be allowed to take a year plus annual leave too?

Sounds like you can afford it between you, your DH sounds more than reasonable and fair about it, I'd go for it!

Do it! I did & a career break afterwards. Cheaper for me to stay home that send DS to a nursery & bonus is I'm home to take the kids to school & bring them home & all doctor/hospital.dental appointmens. Great for the school holidays.

But I'm due to go back in 9 months as DS is off to school full time....boo bloody hoo.