Maternity Leave

[kate909]

I'm struggling to decide when to take maternity leave. I'm due 1st week of October and still have 4 weeks holiday to take.

I'm stuck between wanting to finish work asap but also not having too long before baby is born.

Any advice please?

Depends on your job and how active you are (and when the baby comes, obviously!).

I’m taking two weeks holiday then mat leave starting on due date. Adding the rest of my holiday to the end of my mat leave. I’ll be working from home from now until then so didn’t want to finish too soon and be bored.

I’ve got a couple of days of spring cleaning booked in (I know I won’t want to do it and my husband will be working still). Might do some batch cooking, but other than that, plan to put my feet up and hopefully get some swimming and yoga in (Covid depending).

I also took holiday 2 weeks before due date and mat leave on due date. Worked well for me as DD ended up being a week late. If you have a physical job i'd suggest 37/38 weeks use all holiday then may leave

I'm due on the 2nd October and will be finishing on taking three weeks annual leave before. Hoping to have a mix of relaxing and last minute prep jobs. Taking another week off in July, so I know I will be able to get out, to shops etc. Will they let you carry any holiday over to tag onto the end of your mat leave?

Yeah it's quite a physical job with long hours. Unfortunately I have to take it all in one block before I go on maternity.

I left two days before I was induced but I don’t have a physically demanding job - I also like to be kept busy. If you’re struggling or just want some time off - both valid points then leave earlier.

Maybe take 1 of your 4 weeks off over the summer, start maternity a week before due date and have the 3 remaining weeks before that? That would finish you up about 36 weeks.. If you think you could manage in your role until then?

I work in an office and I'm starting my mat leave on my due date but having 3 weeks of annual leave before that.

Thanks guys, I reckon I will take holiday from the beginning of September and take mat leave fron due date. 😊

I'm due 10th October and I've booked 4 weeks holiday from the 1st August and taking my maternity from 2nd September when I'll be nearly 35 weeks. Looking forward to the rest and free time, not to mention worrying about covid at work! ☺️