when are you planning to stop work?

[MomToBe1974]

I wonder when it?s reasonable to tell my boss I want to stop working...

Last time I planned to work to 39+5 weeks, taking a days annual leave on wednesdays to break up the week for the last month of it - would have worked fine if DD hadn't been born 37+3 - luckily on my Wednesday off.

This time I plan to try to work to 40 weeks again, probably doing a 4 day week near the end again - as my mother says, and I agree - the more time you have off before the baby, the less time you have off with the baby - I really didn't need any time off before and would have just been bored, but needed every second a could have when she got here.

For my first pregnancy I had 4 weeks off beforehand (All annual leave, my maternity leave was meant to kick in on my due date). I was really looking forward to 4 weeks of leisurely lunches with friends, sorting out the nursery and becoming a domestic goddess.

In reality, my BP sky-rocketed from around 30 weeks pregnant so I was in and out of hospital (and thus work) until my last day, spent every morning of my maternity leave in hospital being monitored and then DD was induced 2 weeks early so I felt really robbed of my precious time-off!

This time (In anticipation) of my BP and probably having another early baby, I am taking 6 weeks off before the EDD. I am also saving some annual leave so that I can work a few shorter weeks in the run-up to my last working date. I am not sure if that will make a difference but I am hoping so.

I agree with katietatie that it is a case of listening to your body. Everyone is so different.

Sigh, my body is saying stop, my bank balance is saying keep going!

Today :) Its my last day today and Im 33+5. I have 6 weeks holiday to take then I am on Mat leave so not starting mat leave until my due date. I have a 2 yr old at home so know its not going to be easy but I need to finish now, Im so fed up. Also I had pre-eclampsia with my ds and I have had a pretty rough time this time round, I dont think any of my family think Im not going to be induced this time too (knowing my luck I will go 2 weeks over). Soooo ready to go :)

Today! It's not really mat leave TBH, I'm only 24 weeks. But I'm so fed up here and it's only v v part-time so I refuse to feel guilty!

I've got 6 days left at work - will be 38 weeks.

WHY OH WHY DIDN'T I STOP EARLIER????????? Actually it's not too bad here & I am cruising - but the 2 weeks I have at 'home' DD is on half term break from nursery, and CM is on holiday too so no restful last weeks for me!

Wednesday, and it cant come quick enough. I have been taking one day off a week for the past two months which has been really great keeping my energy levels up. But I cant wait to start mat leave and have some nice afternoon naps!
I shall be 34 +3, I wanted to work as late a possible and knew that work couldnt make me take mat leave untill 4 weeks before I was due, Ive had a pretty rough pregnancy and lots of time off but I didnt want to be out of pocket on mat leave too early. It has been a struggle sometimes but having that day off a week has helped no end.

I am due oct 28th, ang planning to finish 1st september, before the new academic year starts. September is the most frenetic month.... so am planning to avoid (my boss doesn't know yet, but will after my scan this week!). Am going to take a year off - Sept to Sept. Can't wait!