How much did you DH do when you were on mat leave?

[Sparrowlegs248]

Just wondering really. First baby so no idea what to expect. I will have 9 months off followed by 3 months at 3 days per week. Am having C section so will obvs need a lot of help to start with.

Have always found it odd when women say things like 'its maternity leave, not housework leave' And feel i would rather get housework etc done during the week so weekends can be family time. Also, DH currently working 2 jobs, 4am start 6 days a week with 6am start on the 7th day. Works 7 days a week but 'just' a few early morning hours at weekends. So really dont imagine him doing night time stuff once I am recovered. I do imagine him taking over baby care when he gets home in the evenings, leaving me able to cook (i like doing the cooking and see it as beneficial to us both, he gets to do baby care while i get to cook uninterupted)

My friends are horrified at my thoughts......

Best of luck with the ELCS and bringing you much longed for little one into the world. From my own limited 18 week experience, I can tell you it's fabulous!!

Do what works for you.

I'm very firmly in the it's mat leave not housework leave camp, because...

I think it's crucial looking after baby work is recognised as such, and not just seen as sitting round eating cake and watching TV

The patterns set up when the baby is first born are those that tend to follow. If you do everything on mat leave, what happens when you go to work? How does that get handed back?

Spending time with the baby matters to me much more than housework so time is set aside for that.

My husband and I are part time and this applies to both of us.

But I have pretty low housework standards, I get little pleasure from an immaculate house, and we have a cleaner. I also wouldn't be in a situation where my husband works long hours. Hence why I say do what works for you.