DP and I have just decided that we would like to try for a third baby. I'm nearly 38 and on a sabbatical from work to be at home with my children and going back Dec 2018. If I were to conceive now, I wouldn't get any maternity leave pay. If I were to start trying around the time I go back then I would get mat leave pay and would have at least 9 months back to work so I wouldn't feel too bad going off again (workplace is very supportive of expecting mums but I would prefer not to go back for only a couple months). Obviously I realise we might not conceive as easily as we previously have, but assuming that side would be OK, do you feel like waiting a year to start at my age is a bit risky? Would you just start TTC straight away and go without the mattress leave pay? We don't have loads of money but could adjust our budget and just get by. I'd go back after 1 year maternity leave either way.