Working mums! Are you knackered !

[lorza03]

Hi everyone, I'm 30+2 days and I've been for about 8 weeks saying to my boss at work I'm not happy with my working hours as some weeks I've been working 50/70 hours with hardly any break. I'm a veterinary nurse and the job is demanding, but 4 staff members have left and the work has been piled on top of me like crazy! I saw the midwife and doctor on wed and showed them my rotas which upset me, as I've been so exhausted after finishing work every night. I could still work but the doctor thought in the best interests of me and the baby it would be best to stop work now. I'm sad in a way because work could of compromised and I could have worked reasonable hours. Never mind. My partner is very supportive and says I should just rest. My only consern is now finishing work 9 weeks before Dd, will we be ok money wise. Has any one else been in a similar situation before ?

Obviously when it comes down to it, your health and baby's health is the most important thing, but could you possibly reach a compromise between you, your Dr and your work that you can do STRICTLY part time hours for a few more weeks? Or change your role so you're doing admin/desk duties rather than being on your feet all day?

If work know that's it's really that or nothing, would they change their tune? Especially if they're already short?

x

If medical people want you to stop work then they can give you a sick note ( or whatever they are called) which means you are paid by work until 36weeks and then start maternity pay then. Or they could write a fit note for reduced hours until you stop. There are more options if you not already handed in written notification of starting maternity leave.

Would second that. Your employer is required to risk assess and support you regardless of how tough work is. The fit note option would be a good one if you want to do some hing but need much less hours.

I'm only 18 weeks but finding my demanding hospital based job tough already. I have read support but am finding too much standing or too much sitting gives me problems so trying to plan flexibility is a nightmare. My bosses are really trying to help.

If you have to stop totally on medical advice then you should definitely have a sick note

Whether you get paid sick or not depends on company policy ^.

The other option is to opt into the 48 hour maximum working week, but it depends how much notice your employer requires you to give to do that. Sometimes it's up to three months. But if your contract or current opt out doesn't mention it then it could be done as quickly as a week...

Hi OP

I also had to leave work early before my DD arrived. Not for over working reasons, however, the doctor also advised it.

I managed to take a few weeks of annual leave before my maternity kicked in, is this an option for you? I used all my leave, then used 4 weeks Mat Leave before DD was born.

I was also on stat pay for a reasonable amount of it. I made it work financially. Although we cut back on a number of things.
We didn't really have an extravagent lifestyle, however, I still went to mums and tots in local halls (50p) where we are.

What i found the most difficult was the boredom of waiting. I packed, unpacked and repacked my hospital bag. Once DD arrived I was so over the moon, I forgot all about my time before her.

I really hope you get some rest, you must be exhausted with all those hours. I am barely surviving and I only work 40 hrs!!