how much time do i physically *need* for maternity leave

[fishnchips1987]

I am the main breadwinner in the family, but because I started my role AFTER I got pregnant, I am not entitled to any beneficial pay packet or SMP. I am however entitled to maternity allowance. This is a MASSIVE reduction in my salary and I am not sure how we are going to afford to live on this.

Having looked at finances it actually makes more financial sense for me to go back to work whilst my partner leaves his job and stays at home to look after the baby. I therefore want to know how much time do i physically need maternity leave wise? Ignoring breastfeeding here, I am talking about purely the physical recovery. I work in an office job, and I have the option to work from home most days.

I felt fine after about 2 weeks.

After your postnatal drs appointment would be my advice, but obviously so long as you are sleeping, you and baby are both fed and well, no mental health issues, etc. Then any time you feel up to it. It would be better to have time to stop the postnatal bleed and for any stitches etc. To heal. Obviously a C-Section would take longer.

I was just about ok to go back yo work when baby was 6 months. I had a traumatic vaginal delivery.

Depends what you mean, I was physically able to go out and about within 24 hours, I was tired obviously but as the birth was quick and straightforward I didn't need to recover - others aren't so lucky so factor in stitches, heavy bleeding etc which might require a few rest days. Around 6 weeks many women do return to work around the world (alas in some countries it's 6 hours) and unless you have a c-section physically this is realistic if you are not breastfeeding (it makes you very tired) and your dp is doing night feeds and the lions share of housework etc. Many will think even this is too short but everyone's needs are different - you will need some flexibility in case things aren't straightforward