Maternity leave before baby

[marleigh]

Hiya, I'm expecting my first baby at end of feb and currently on maternity leave and I just don't know what to do with myself now. I've done all the baby prep and cleaning now just feel at a loose end. I feel like I'm doing the same thing day in day out now being cleaning cooking and maybe going out for the occasional drink. I don't really have any friends or family to visit so just wanted some ideas on things to do to keep myself entertained before baby gets here any suggestions?

Is there a reason you’ve started Mat leave so early? I started 2 weeks before and spent the time resting and catching up on sleep prior to baby arriving.

Hi, I'm due at the start of Feb but in the same situation. I've been to the cinema myself this week, did some baking, read library books and am cooking and cleaning every day 😂 just try and relax if you can (I feel guilty knowing my husband is working when I'm sat at home but growing a baby is tough!)

I've got 6 weeks before baby arrives but had a lot of complications my whole pregnancy and the job I do is high paced and on my feet for sometimes 8-10 hours with little breaks in between to rest my midwife suggested I started my leave sooner for health reasons.

Good on you for starting early. I'm desperate to start mine, my job is full on and I work 10 hour shift with 40 minute break and having complications but I'm only 31 weeks and really don't want to use my mat leave so early 😫😫 x

Do everything that possibly needs sorting in your house. All your paperwork neatly filed and up to date every drawer tidied to an inch of its life cupboards and clothes gone through and any decluttering. Also not too early to do some winter gardening pruning and clearing borders ready for spring so when the baby arrives everything will be in the best possible shape. You never get this time back. Alternatively sleep whenever you like!!!

get your hair done, go to the dentist, batch cook some meals, go to the cinema, do yoga

I had 6 weeks and loved it, filled the freezer and got organised.

I'd advise decluttering everything you possibly can. Do any niggly jobs in the house. Get organised with paperwork.

Sit quietly, read, nip out all the time without a giant nappy bag, play board games or have long meals with your husband, appreciate having 2 hands to do anything. Babies are wonderful but a big change!

I also went quite early, I'm due mid-Feb and went after Christmas. It's been lovely - and I still have to pack my bag and wash all the clothes so you're way ahead of me!

Honestly, I'd just use the time to get 'in the zone' when it comes to labour, do lots of relaxation and gentle exercise to get ready for the big day. Other than that, chill, play video games/read/watch anything you've been meaning to watch, and do any house things that you have been putting off - thing you need to have the mental/physical energy to deal with. For example we've taken the dog for his long overdue annual jabs and a vet MOT, got the tyres sorted on the car, done some touch-ups of the paint in the hallway, draught-proofed the upstairs window, tackling the mould in the bedrooms etc.

Enjoy it. I also have no family or friends nearby who can visit so it's becoming an art, perfecting how to spend this time while you have it. Good luck!

Puzzles, adult colouring books (Millie Marotta has some lovely ones), adult paint by numbers…. these will help pass time whilst helping you to relax!

Gosh i dont have any suggestions but im jealous. Im 38 weeks and still have another week at work left to go. Finish at 39weeks 3 days!

I guess if i was off id batch cook, decorate, practice hypnobirthing, read, watch netflix, swim, walks, wash baby clothes