Hi all - I am just after some advice about when to start maternity leave. I am due 11th February with my 2nd baby and I am a teacher. I am trying to decide whether I go back after the Christmas hols or not. If I don't go back it will mean I am off 5 weeks early, which could be more if i am overdue again. But if i do go back I will probably manage 2 weeks. I only work part time but i work in a big school with lots of stairs and moving around classrooms.
I don't know if I will return after mat leave, but if I do I expect I will need to go back the beginning of the following January, and if I don't then I wonder if it really matters if I take off early. My husband would ideally like me to work as long as I can (money for the baby!) but I wonder of I should allow myself time to rest before hand (whilst also looking after my 3 year old!). I know I am not off for ages but my work has asked if I can give them indication of when I want to go, if I go at Christmas they will need to hire by replacement by this half term! Anyone else leave this early? Anyone in a similar dilema? Appreciate any thoughts