Maternity leave... what do you do?

[Dueindecember2016]

I'm on maternity leave and have a feeling that in a few days I'll be climbing the walls. Did anyone take up any hobbies? The cleaning etc is something I do regularly so it doesn't really form part of my 'nesting' period. Any hints and tips on what you've done or are doing?

If you haven't already buy Marie Kondo's book and Kondo your house. You'll appreciate the extra space when all the toys plastic crap starts rolling in! I discovered it when DS was 3 months old and I wish I had found it before he was born. Lots of people say rest but ime you get lots of time to sit relaxing cuddling your newborn, if it's your first.

I read lots of books, did lots of knitting and watched a few box sets.

Go to cinema, museum, coffee shops, manicure, haircut, read books. Whatever you like doing. You won't get extended time to yourself for a long time after the baby arrives. I did find it useful to cook lots of food for the freezer as well.

I've just started maternity leave too and absolutely love it. Lots of walking, yoga, cooking, knitting, seeing friends, eating breakfast/lunch out, reading, making stuff

Ah to have that maternity leave again. I'm currently on maternity leave with my second so don't get time to myself. Honestly just take the opportunity to do things you enjoy and that you'll find harder once baby is here.

I never got maternity leave as such without a baby. I loved the week+ I got, pottered about. Having lunch out as DS1 was in school when pregnant with 2nd. I don't mind my own company and very rarely get bored.

DS1 maternity started at 38 weeks he arrived at 39+2
DS2 maternity started at 36+2 and he arrived at 37+4

Both wanted to say hello quickly

Thanks everyone. With everyone at work it's difficult to socialise with friends. Box sets are the best, I really need something new to get into. Any recommendations for sky box sets?

I'm hoping the baby is going to put in an early appearance too

I was signed off at 32 weeks. So had 8 weeks to fill. Once I got to 37 weeks I went on lots of walks, caught up on Greys Anatomy, Mr Selfridge etc. I set up the nursery and did lots of cleaning. I also read a lot of books, which it glad I did, as 18 months into being Mum I barely get to the opportunity to read now. You could always offer to do some Christmas shopping for relatives and wrapping to keep you busy :)

Sorry for all the typos

Go to some classes , maybe NCT, and set out to make new friends who will have babies about the same age.One I met is one of my best friends over 30 years on!
NCT run Bumps and Babes coffee mornings and I don't think you have to join to go.

I did my fmaily tree whilst bfing DC1. DC2 was so different I couldnt do anything I wanted! And yes to baby singing or tumlastics or whatever it's called where you are.

West Wing is good.

I found those first few weeks so boring too. This time I'm waiting until 39 weeks before finishing. Hoping baby arrives early if I'm honest. I've got 2 weeks Christmas holiday and I'd rather not go back, but don't want to stay off when there is no baby!

I was climbing the walls week 2 lol. Spend the time napping and watch your favourite shows. You won't have time when baby is here.

I think even completing week 1 is going to be a challenge. Think I'll start reading again. The idea of museums etc bores me if I'm honest and where I live, there's not much to do. I might start with the colouring books as I've heard they are good.

Light exercise. Pampering (hair, waxing, massage). Sleeping. Knitting / sewing. Visiting elderly relatives. Organising my wedding photos. Hanging out with pregnant friends/ those with babies. Sling library. Shopping around for cheaper deals on utilities. Updating my cv. Getting ahead with CPD.