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Original poster

Would I be mad to start maternity leave at 30 weeks?

74 replies

KnitFastDieWarm · 02/06/2015 11:55

I'm expecting DC1 in November and am starting to think about my maternity leave. I'm tempted to start at about 33 weeks with all my extra holiday tacked on the front giving me TWO MONTHS off before my due date (my theory being that, as a first time mum, this is the last time in the next 18 years that I'll get that kind of time to myself...)

My job is not especially stressful (it's sheer self-indulgence that's driving me to do this Grin.

I love the idea of being able to relax at home on my own (typical introvert), get everything ready, sleep loads, eat well and mentally prepare for the birth. We can afford it and DH thinks it's a good idea - any good reasons NOT to do this that I haven't thought of?

I'm not planning on going back to my current role - hoping to freelance again like I used to a few years ago - so am not too worried about needing to save up leave for after the birth.

Any thoughts? Anyone done this and regretted it?

OP posts:
Lorgy · 02/06/2015 12:55

If you aren't going to work then definitely do it. Enjoy the time to yourself.

soverylucky · 02/06/2015 12:59

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
KnitFastDieWarm · 02/06/2015 12:59

Thanks all - I think I will do it! Smile

OP posts:
AbbeyRoadCrossing · 02/06/2015 12:59

I wish i had done that OP. I had my baby whilst still at work, so was unprepared practically and mentally.
I'd listened to the 'your baby will be late and you'll be bored' advice, but I don't think I would've been. You know your own personality and how you'll feel better than others.
This time I'm going at 30, no point risking the same

ActiviaYoghurt · 02/06/2015 13:02

if money isn't an issue then finish early but I would say that 8 weeks is a very long time to fill.

I worked until two weeks before my due date with mine, she was ten days late and I felt happy with this down time, I might have liked another week but no longer tbh, I didn't feel rushed. I really wanted the time at the end of my maternity leave and if I have another would push for the extra month of leave at the end rather than the accrued annual leave.

I also got a bit anxious towards the birth and honestly think if I had too much time on my hands that anxiety might have been worse. I also think that my physical fitness might have not have been so good if I had finished work sooner.

Mrscog · 02/06/2015 13:03

I did this with DC1 - had 6 weeks of sheer bliss, so if you're sure that you're the right type of person to enjoy pottering, reading, watching films etc (not everyone is!) then I'd go for it :)

BrilliantineMortality · 02/06/2015 13:04

Go for it! I actually spent my entire pregnancy at home freelancing and completing a correspondence course as I had been made redundant shortly before I got pregnant.

I realise I was very, very lucky to be in the situation of not needing to get another job outside of the home, but it was a wonderful time that I'll never have again.

Athenaviolet · 02/06/2015 13:05

If you're not planning on going back you might aswell take mat leave from 29 weeks.

lornathewizzard · 02/06/2015 13:05

I took about 7 weeks before my due date and it was ace. It was also roasting so I really would have struggled with the commute to work / sitting in office all day. You probably won't have that problem! Totally do it.

mommathatwearspink · 02/06/2015 13:06

I finished at 33 weeks with DD and would do exactly the same next time around. It was a really lovely time as it gave me time to rest and do things at my leisure before she was born at 38 weeks.

yehbutnobutyeh · 02/06/2015 13:06

Do it. I found it took me a while to wind down from the manic routine I was in. However I would say, be strict with yourself about relaxing because it's so easy to do X, Y and Z. I made garden chair covers, Music Magpies all our CDs and yes it was productive, but I regret not sitting in the garden more!!!

Enjoy your time and your baby when it arrives Flowers

Artandco · 02/06/2015 13:08

It's a good idea imo. I wouldn't be bored. I only had 2 weeks, but was lovely as extra hour in bed in morning, relaxing baths, nice slow walks in parks ( helped me I think with birth that I was active right through), batch cooked for after birth, visited family, bought last bits.

rosie1959 · 02/06/2015 13:08

As you are not returning to work I would leave at 29 weeks
I left at 29 weeks although this was a very long time ago and you gained nothing by staying at work Found plenty to do all those jobs you never get time for working full time and time to yourself which is precious

PenguinsandtheTantrumofDoom · 02/06/2015 13:08

I went off at 34 weeks. The time of year meant I had loads of holiday to take, so my actual leave didn't start until about 2 days before my due date. I kind of had no choice really. I planned on taking the full year and wasn't allowed to carry over so I couldn't tack it on the end. And the nature of my job meant that using it to do 3-4 day weeks for a while was a non starter.

It was enjoyable, and I do think of that time fondly. It's the last chance you'll get.

Original poster
KnitFastDieWarm · 02/06/2015 13:08

I am an out and out potterer Grin In fact the think that scares me most about having a baby is not the birth or the lack of sleep etc, etc - but the constant visitors afterwards! I love my friends and family, but at heart I'm a RAGING introvert so weeks of mostly my own company sounds like bliss.

TBH I won't be at a loose end - as well as pottering I've got bump and baby meetups to go to, stuff to buy, people to visit, and a big chunk of voluntary work that I'm only really going to be able to squeeze into that time before the baby arrives. So I think I'll be pleasantly busy.

OP posts:
Original poster
KnitFastDieWarm · 02/06/2015 13:10

looks up 29 weeks and realises I could finish work in AUGUST! Shock

OP posts:
morelikeguidelines · 02/06/2015 13:13

Do it!

I stopped work at 39 weeks with dc2, knowing I had induction booked at 40 weeks. And that we was half term with dc1!

I did it because I am a crazy fool (also because self employed).

Actually that week was one of the best of my life.

First time round didn't give myself much time off either and that was more of a mistake.

JuniDD · 02/06/2015 13:18

I did and I loved it. Read loads of books, saw friends and family. I was incredibly lethargic and struggling from 26 weeks anyway so it was lovely. I was remembering sitting in bed reading only yesterday.

I'm sure it's not related but one of my friends insists that my dd is chilled because I was so relaxed for so long!

TarkaTheOtter · 02/06/2015 13:18

I did it and it was lovely.

Newlywed2013 · 02/06/2015 13:34

I went at 34 weeks but also had a house move to do but I was so bored, if it wasn't for the house move would have tried to work until 38 weeks.
I got too bored and inpatient waiting

Original poster
KnitFastDieWarm · 02/06/2015 13:35

I must be a weirdo because I simply don't get bored in my own company! Never have Smile

OP posts:
Blazing88 · 02/06/2015 13:36

If you don't have to go back to your job, then do it!

goodgollymisspolly · 02/06/2015 13:36

Do it! I finished up at 33 weeks and the baby arrived 2 weeks late so I had a lovely break. Read books, snuggled up - 2 years and two kids later I look back at that time very fondly. Enjoy!

NinkyNonkers · 02/06/2015 13:36

I stopped at 33 wks...was awesome!

BabyMurloc · 02/06/2015 13:38

In your position I would totally do it. You can afford to do it. You don't need to save the leave. Your DH is on board. Do it! I would have loved to have been able to do this.