Starting maternity leave

[Em1503]

Hi, I'm due on the 26th July, exactly a week after school finishes for the summer holidays (I'm a teacher). I want to take my maternity leave from 36 weeks, meaning I'll have the last 3 weeks off before the end of term. So why do I feel guilty that I'll be taking it too early? I feel as though I should be trying to go to the end of term or at least until a week or so before, but quite honestly I can't wait to finish and have that time to myself before her arrival. Can someone tell me that I'm being perfectly reasonable to start my leave then (or otherwise if I'm not being!) I'm not really sure why I'm doubting what should surely be my decision! I should probably add that school have put no pressure on my either way.

Start it whenever you want! Don't doubt your decision. You don't have to tell them yet anyway, maybe think it over a bit more. Are you worried about something specific? I know in my school the last week is a write-off anyway so not like you'll be letting anyone down.

I finished at 38 weeks and spent the last 2 weeks regretting not finishing at 36. Do it!

You are making the right decision for you and thats all that matters.
I was originally going to finish at 38 weeks but brought it forward to 36. Such a weight lifted. I am 33 weeks now and honestly can tell I am winding down all ready (in between brief panics I wont get everything done!)

I am currently acting up into a managing position and my leaving early realy does have an impact on what was organised, but realisticslly they would cope if baby came early so at least this way they have time to plan cover.

I know what you mean about self imposed pressure, my bosses& coworkers have been fine with it all, but I cant help but know what impact it has. Hope the next few weeks go well for you and you are able to enjoy that little bit of time to yourself

You don't really want to be tiptoeing around crossing your fingers that you won't go into labour at 37 weeks do you?
I'm expecting dc3 and planning on finishing at 37 weeks. This is the latest I have finished and only practical as a) I work pt, 5.5 hrs a day, b) I have holiday to take which I will use to effectively work 3/4 days a week the last few weeks, and c) the way my job works, we won't be arranging cover for whilst I'm off so if I find I need to finish earlier I will just need a few days to tidy loose ends and hand over projects to colleagues. All of which could effectively be done from home if necessary.
There is a real risk of either early labour or not coping meaning you need to finish earlier than 39 weeks so putting cover in place and arranging things in a manageable way is much more considerate.
I finished at 36 weeks with dc1and I felt it was just right.

I went at 32 weeks. I had to see my year sixes through SATS but I really struggled those last few weeks and wish I had gone at the may half term at 29 weeks (I knew I wasn't going back so time after didn't matter).

Don't feel guilty and don't push for the end of term switching off fron teaching takes some getting used to.

Do it! I went into labour with my first in the middle of a work meeting at 38 weeks, and I haven't been able to put my feet up in the 5 years since

Things I would have done in hindsight with 3 weeks:
Sorted my wardrobe to get the post baby stuff ready - not so much about moving all the maternity stuff away (depending on how your shape has changed, some of that might be good for longer than you'd like!), but getting bfing-friendly tops out and the like.

On a similar vein, going to a bfing group - mothers to be are welcomed and with more support I definitely would have ended up bfing DS1 for 18 months like my next 2 DCs instead of a miserable and nearly PND-inducing 5 weeks.

Had coffee with all my friends, especially the single or work-related ones who might be tricky to stay in touch with for the first bleary weeks 6 months, depending on what sort of baby you have, (and what sort of mum you are). If your mum or other doting relatives are around, this can be a lovely time to sit and reminisce about baby and birthing stories, my older family members loved to share, and I suddenly found the stories a lot more interesting! If great aunt flora shares a horrible tale with Game of Thrones levels of blood and torture just block your ears and mutter "epidural epidural epidural" until it stops

Gone to lots of movies, you are unlikely to be doing this for a while!

Go on lovely long wanders to help with fluid retention (and the final-trimester chocolate cravings) while daydreaming idly about your perfect progeny --and hoping to god that this might kick-start the process.

If it's fun for you, cooking lots of one-hand-able meals for the freezer for the first few weeks. Or otherwise, sorting out deliveries and/or making a takeaway roster for DH.

I also wish that I had started my pelvic floor and relaxation exercises properly, and wish I had NOT spent so much time making the fecking nursery, which was unused for nearly a year anyway as all my babies liked to sleep in our room (and ideally in our bed) and play within a 2 metre radius of our feet.

Or even just sit for 3 weeks with your feet up and watch TV boxsets. If you're feeling well, it's a lovely and exciting little pause, and if you're feeling crap, you'll need the rest! Your job is stressful enough and your timing sounds great, good luck

Oh yes! Woman in the room next to mine went into labour whilst teaching (she didn't think that's what it was, but have birth only a couple of hours after school!)

I'm also teacher due few weeks before you (11th july) no chance of going to end of term- also planning on going at 36 weeks- 3 weeks after half term. The end is in sight and I can't wait!! Stick to your guns and enjoy!

I'm due 15th August and finishing at 35 wks on 10th July. A few people have commented that that is really early but I don't think so. I have a pretty stressful job and am lucky enough to have generous holidays so I'm taking 3 weeks hols before my mat leave officially starts 4th Aug. I can't wait! I'm pretty good at amusing myself and keeping busy so I'm looking forward to a bit of nesting, maybe a few films during the day, long walks.......that is all assuming I'm well enough at that point!

You have no need to go to the end of term. In fact, as SLT, I would prefer teachers to not go right until the end as they can be a bit of a worry (especially in a very busy environment like a school).

Also, you have absolutely every right to finish in July 2014 and then return in July 2015 and get paid for the summer holidays of 2015.

Thanks for all of the replies, just what I need to make myself feel okay about my decision. I'm going with 36 weeks for sure now. I will easily be able to fill those last few weeks if I'm feeling okay so am really looking forward to that time, plus it makes the final few weeks feel more manageable. Thanks very much everyone!