Going for a third

[Onemorebaby]

We're planning on trying for our third next year. Currently have a 3 year old and 9 month old so hopefully another 2.5 year gap. We're really excited and know it's right for us but I'm worried about work. I started in 2016 had first baby in 2018 and transferred to a new team 4 months before I went on mat leave with my current baby born Dec 2020. They were great but I felt awkward. I'll be back between 1-2 years before going off again. Currently a couple of others are pregnant with their second but noone has more than 2 children.
My question is for those who have 3+ children, how did you find work were with you having 3 maternity leaves? Any advice?

Anyone?

I've had three mat leaves with the same employer. I felt most awkward with the second because I went back to work after my first already pregant with my second. No issues from my employer at all though. I had decent maternity packages and secured the part time hours I wanted on my return.

I think the subsequent mat leaves were better for my employer because I didn't bother with the classes which they give you time off for!

I wouldn't give it a second thought, ml procedures are there for a reason. I've had a couple of PAS who have had four MLS.

I've only got two and stopped there but I'd be shitting myself in case twins turned up😂😂

That's a relief to hear they were OK.
Interesting that you felt less awkward for the third. How large was the gap between 2 and 3 if you don't mind me asking? This is super helpful

@Onemorebaby gap between first two is 15 months. I think I went back to work when first child was 10 months old, do was already 4 months pregnant. That's why it felt awkward.
I was in a new team after a restructure when I had my third, 4 year gap between the second two children.

Youngest is now 8 and I've been with employer 20 years, so the mat leaves don't feel significant in the slightest now.

I had my first 3 with the same employer. 9years between 1 &2 but only 17m between 2&3 so I went back to work pregnant with DC3.

They were really good about it. I was back for about 5m.

It's 3 years (or in my case for that employer it was less because I only got 18wks with DC1 and 10m with Dc2) in a whole lifetime of working.