When did everyone go off on maternity leave?

[jendave]

I am due on May 12th and will be finishing work on 25th April. The problem is I am really struggling to get into work every day. I have a half hour commute and just feel like crying in the mornings. I am not getting much sleep as bump is so huge now. I think baby has also engaged as bump is now much lower down and I am sure am having BH as bump keeps going tight and uncomfortable. Problem is we have limited budget for Mat.leave and am worried if I go off any earlier I will have to come bak to work earlier after baby is born. Should I just try and persevere?

Im due 12th July and going on maternity leave 15th may. Taking 6 weeks maternity leave and 2 weeks anual leave so totalling 8 weeks.

My comute is ok (30 mins max) but very stressful, physical job - Im deputy manager at a day nursery.

You have to do what feels right for you though!

DS1 - left at 29 wks. DD1 - left at 34 weeks. Both times i was doing shift work and was knackered! DD2 - left the day before my due date and had her on my due date!! Was exhausted and in retrospect would have liked a little breather before she came along!! Thing is, it really depends on you and your situation. Don't let anyone make you feel like you have to do more than you feel able to. Mat leave is available early on for a very good reason.