Maternity leave... how long are you taking/take

[squiglyline]

Just wondering how long your planning on taking off for maternity leave. Or how long you did take?

I’m a nanny and my employer has asked how long I plan on taking ( she took 8weeks)

My DH has always said I wouldn’t need to go back to work if I didn’t want to but I think I’ll want my own income.

Just wondering what others took or plan on taking.

I'd like a year but doubt we can afford it. Probably 10-11 months, ish?

Don't be pushed into going back to work earlier than you'd like just because your boss only took 8 weeks. That's very, very short.

3 months. I’m self employed. Any longer and I’ll lose clients.

I took 11 months. Was supposed to be 12 but I let work talk me into coming back early, I wish I hadn't.

Will you be taking your baby to your nannying job? I took 9 months with my first and then the full year with my other two.

I’ll be taking 4 months and then starting to phase back in (although I reckon in the 4th month I’ll be doing 1 day a week from home)

A year, plus I have 5 weeks annual leave to take before I go and I'll acrue some to take before I return. 8 weeks is so short!

12 months. Each to their own but I couldn’t imagine leaving my baby when she was 8 weeks! Saying that my boss, took 16 weeks for both of hers and was still glued to her company laptop/phone (and never fails to mention it when anyone else goes on maternity ).

I'll be taking 1 year 6 weeks. I have 6 weeks holiday to use before i start maternity leave. It sounds a lot but im renovating my place at the same time, so i will have a lot on. Also, i can choose to return earlier if i wanted too.

11 months with my first and planning on doing the same with my second.

When my SMP finishes, I’ll technically be on holiday to use some of those hours up before I go back.

8 weeks is no time at all, just because that’s what your employer did doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Don’t let her influence your decision.

I took 9 months of mat leave but also tagged one month's accrued annual leave on the end.

8 weeks is really short, are you in the UK? Do you have childcare for your baby at 8 weeks or will your partner/family be doing it?

A year plus 4 weeks annual leave that ill accrue whilst im off. 8 weeks is no time at all, especially if you dont need the money straight away

6 months and I’ll just go back Friday and Saturday night shifts so I don’t need to pay for any childcare. Will probably do that for another 6 months then go back into days (I really hate night shifts!)

Nearly 10 months.

Thanks :) I’ll be able to take baby with me when I choose to go back to work. If not then between my husband and our parents I’ll be okay for childcare.

I am taking 14 months and a week. I had annual leave to use either side but had set in my head that I Wanted a year off. I haven’t been at work since 6.5 weeks pregnant because of HG so it will feel strange to go back.

I took 3 months plus a month of annual leave, so 4 months total. It was enough for me but everyone’s different.

Hi @squiglyline I’m a nanny too! I’m finishing work at 38 weeks, and am hoping to have 4-6 months off, and can also take baby back to work with me 😁 luckily my best friend is covering my mat leave as she’s just finished mat leave herself, so we can work together to decide when I return depending on when she finds a new job/how I feel. How are you finding nannying and pregnancy?? I’m starting to flag a bit now... 32 weeks and working 60hrs a week!! Only 6 more to go!

@NannyGR
I’m only doing 26 hours just now. Finished up with a family at the end of Feb and managed to fill March up with babysitting and modelling to fill the wage gap. Really need to find something to add of after Easter.
I really don’t know how you manage 60hours.
I’m due mid October so thinking I’ll finish up around end of sept to give me a couple of weeks before to get everything organised.
Not long for you to go now :) x

I'm taking 9 months maternity leave but with accrued and carried over annual leave I'll be off for just under 12 months.

I’m taking the full 12 months plus 6 weeks holiday at the start, plus will come back to another 6 weeks holiday to use between mid sept and Dec.
I suppose how long you take depends how long your family can keep your position open for you? Sounds lovely that you can work and take baby with you.
Don’t let the family sway you just because she only took 8 weeks. She will probably be the main breadwinner and can’t realistically take the time due to job security or just wants/needs the money. Or maybe she just didn’t want to take the time. Either way, it’s your decision.