I plan on working as long as possible, as think I'm going to need as much time afterwards as possible.
This is my first though, so it's really hard to know how I'm going to feel!
I was planning on taking 6 months, because financially, we are going to really struggle financially after 6 months. We could possibly stretch to 9 months at a push. I have been advised by friends who have had children, to tell my employers that I plan on taking longer than 6 months, as I may not feel able to go back that early, and if by 4 months, I am lucky and have a baby who sleeps and feeds well, then I can tell them I plan to return at 6 months. I think so much depends on how well the baby is. Some babies sleep well, eat well and fall into a good routine quickly, others don't - despite all efforts by those looking after them.
I don't know how realistic this is. I do think returning after 3 months, whilst not impossible, could feel almost impossible, especially if baby is not an 'easy' baby.
Does anyone know if it is possible to work part-time/agency for another organisation whilst on maternity leave from full time employer? I would like to return part-time after 6 months, but know it won't be allowed. I could however, work a few agency shifts, if it is allowed and if it doesn't affect maternity pay?
I'm 14 weeks and as soon I found out my scan and bloods were alright, I told all my friends and family this week. I spoke to my friend the other day, who sadly lost her 2nd baby at 17 weeks, and she said she was glad she had told everyone she was pregnant at 12 weeks, as she would have had to tell most people anyway, as she struggled so much with the loss and actually it made it easier telling people about the loss when they already knew she was pregnant. She said if she has another, she will tell people after her first scan.