Short Maternity Leave

[lisa5795]

Pregnant with second baby. Had 9 months off with first in a job which I hated - couldn't wait to go off and didn't want to return, was out of the house for 8-10 hours every working day. Now I'm newly in a wfh job which I love. I want to take a shorter mat leave - possibly 3-5 months. I'll be around a lot more and I like my job. Has anyone got experience of taking a shorter mat leave due to wfh and found it ok?

Hey, I'm crazy and only took one month with my son haha, I couldn't keep the business running otherwise and needed the money. It was tough but doable, my mum helped and baby was always with me so I didn't feel guilty leaving the baby too soon or anything. Be gentle on yourself with the hours at first if possible, I'll be doing the same when I'm due in April x

I went back to work (in a job I hated with horrible hours) when my first was 4 months-that’s all I could have afterwards back then. It was fine-you make things work.

Could you take shared parental leave with your partner? As you're wfh might be easier to have your baby at home rather than childcare, so you could eg. breastfeed in the day.

Wow, 1 month and running your own business is incredible!! Well done you and thanks for the words of encouragement!

Does you contract say anything about parenting while you’re meant to be working? Will the baby need to go into childcare?

I'm not sure actually, I don't think so but I will check this, thanks!

My friend has her own business and took, I think, less than 2 days off.

It nearly destroyed her though. I wouldn't recommend it!

I WFH and I am not going back till baby is in daycare. Is this your plan?
You cannot work while looking after your baby or you are risking your job! Whether it's written down or not x

No, this is not my plan

Hit post too soon - if I am working I will have childcare organised.

I had 3 months with both of mine, I lived abroad and this was the most I could have. I was ft working in an office 40 hours a week.

it’s definitely doable but I didn’t really make mum friends or have that experience.

I run a business so went back after about 2 and a half months but worked about an hour or two a day from about a week after birth. When I went back full time, I had a nanny which made things much easier. I'd definitely recommend that or a family member if it's possible and you want to go back really early.