TTC No.2 whilst on maternity leave - work worries

[HopeWish]

Hello everyone,

So DH and I were lucky enough to welcome DD into the world January. We have both always said that we would like to have a gap of less than 2 years between our children (as we both have this with our own siblings) and we have decided to start trying again for baby number 2 this month. I am excited, but part of me is concerned that work won’t be so thrilled if I return in January already pregnant again.

For context, I am a secondary school teacher and I have taken the whole year of maternity leave.

I have worked out that if I fell pregnant this first cycle, I would be able to receive full maternity pay for the next one, but I am just worried that the school will be irritated by the faff of having to hire another maternity cover etc. My head of department has also continually told me that they are really looking forward to having me back so I would feel like I was letting them down if I only came back for 2 terms then went on mat leave again.

I am planning to stay in this school for a long time. I am massively ambitious (completed a masters degree this year whilst on maternity leave) and I am hoping to progress my career with them after I have had baby 2.

In your experience, does having another child so quickly afterwards really matter?

Technically, in my opinion, they cannot discriminate against you for being pregnant (again). Whilst it may cause some inconvenience for them, it should've dictate whether or not you have another child.

I'm sure your employer will have a employee's handbook where they will outline their policies and procedures in regards to maternity leave/pay.

I'm also sure you're not the first person who is trying to/will have fallen pregnant straight after having a baby. I remember when I was at school, my HEADTEACHER had three children back to back. We hardly ever saw her! So I'm sure it is possible and they cannot discriminate against you for this. Yes they may be annoyed at the inconvenience it causes them, but from my understanding - by law you are entitled to it.

@sak96x

Yeah I’ve read the handbook very carefully and as long as I am back long enough to work off my OMP, I am entitled to maternity pay and leave without my job being threatened.
I suppose it just feels “cheeky” (although there is no real reason why!)

I understand... it can feel a bit cheeky/as though you're doing something wrong. You're entitled to have a child whenever you want, so whilst it may feel cheeky - do what's best for you 😌. Good luck x

Imagine losing your job or the head moving on in another two years and you delayed TTC. Go for it!

Do what is best for you. I don’t know how many children you eventually plan on having but it might be better to get all the career disruption out the way now so after second baby you can get back to work and really focus! I’m just returning after mat leave after having my second. I was only back at work for a month before I was pregnant again and they were very supportive.

I'm sure they'll be fine with it, especially if they have cover for you now, they may want to keep them on.

Hoping you do get pregnant soon but please remember that it can take up to a year to fall pregnant (as I'm sure you know), even if you fell quickly last time so it's best to take it as it comes.

Thanks for the reassurance everyone. I am just a worrier - I know that they would be happy for me really!

Had to post. I’m a teacher too, and one thing I’ve learnt over the years is we are just a number at the end of the day. Do what’s best for you and your family, I’ve known many teachers who have had another baby after maternity, and school were supportive- they have to be. And if it makes you feel better, I was thankful one of the teachers in our school had another baby, as I was hired to cover her maternity, I’m still there now on a full-time contract 😊