to want to start my maternity leave on my due date?

[HulaHunter]

Never had children before so have no idea how naive I'm being... is it completely nuts of me to want to start my maternity leave on my actual due date? I work in an office, have a very easy commute (4 minutes walk, 30 minute train, 4 minutes walk door to door). I can get a taxi for less that £2 if I need to.

I would obviously start my leave earlier if I absolutely needed to, but want as much time with baby as possible as I can't afford to take more than 6 months (my maternity package is rubbish).

Anyone have any advice on a new mum to be?

I worked in an office 45 minute drive for all 3 births. For each one my mat leave date was day before due date. First child I ended up going off a few days earlier and she was born on due date. Second child I went off as planned and he was born 6 days late. 3rd I went off as planned and he was born the next day.

Didn't regret any of them, although I was lucky that I wasn't doing any real work for last 2 weeks each time. Mostly spent it shadowing my replacement and answering any questions they had, so I had it very easy.

With my first I went on leave at 37 weeks, I went to the hospital from work that last day to have her. I had not 1 day prior to that to rest, sort stuff properly, felt unprepared coming home to washing, dusting etc (only small things I know).
So second time I planned to leave at 35 weeks, ended up having her at 38. I needed the time before that though as I had spd & I also couldn’t fit behind the wheel of the car.
If you have a job you can let them know last minute & it’s not an issue if you have to leave early, then I don’t see the harm. My job isn’t like that.

I had my youngest the day before my maternity leave was supposed to start, and the oldest the day after. I took 6 month maternity leave, so didn’t take annual leave before birth either as I needed it afterwards

Taking mine 4 days before my due date, only as it’s easier for me for payroll and a few big family birthdays that weekend otherwise I would till be there until my due date. See how you feel! It’s up to you!

One of the ladies in my previous job was having contractions while still trying to finish up a bit of work. After a hour Her manager actually put her in her car and took her the 5 minute drive to the hospital. She had baby 25 minutes later.
Her maternity leave started then

I started my mat leave the day both of mine were born but used annual leave meaning I actually finished work around 38 weeks. Both DC born by ELC at 39+4