Canadian Moms

Divallyn

Hey Ladies, I was just thinking about how grateful we should be that we get one year maternity leave. I can't imagine having to go back to work when my infant is only a couple months old. I feel so grateful that I live here and feel like this one area (along with a couple others) that Canada definitely got right. I am going to to have to remember this when I get frustrated with our lame Canadian politicians and sub-standard environment protection laws! 

Are any of you taking time off before the baby arrives?

Depending on how I feel I am going to be taking 100% short term disability for the last 4-6 weeks per my doctor's recommendation. 

rosesforme

Yes, I am very grateful for the year although I doubt I will take it all. Right now I'm a substitute teacher so unless that changes I will go on maternity leave sometime mid-late February. It will all depend on how many days I'm getting and how I'm feeling. And in all likelihood because of where it is in the school year I won't take the full year. I don't know if I will go back in September or in January. It will see if I'm still subbing or if I'm offered a position. Because of the subbing and the fact my EI won't be huge that might be a factor.

Divallyn

Short Term Disability is a program through my work. It pays 100% of your wages before you give birth if your doctor recommends you have time off.

My OB says he is in favor of expectant moms not working after their 34th week but if I am feeling good then I will keep working.

Divallyn

Excited30 I am hoping things work out for you and I am glad there are such programs out there to support you (even if its a little). I am sure you will get through this. Good Luck!

adam+katie

I feel very luck that we get a year.  I am a teacher, and our Spring Break starts in the second week of March, and goes for two weeks.  I am due on the 28th, so I won't be going back after Spring Break.  I am happy it worked out like that!

Anna.Marie

Divallyn:

Short Term Disability is a program through my work. It pays 100% of your wages before you give birth if your doctor recommends you have time off.

My OB says he is in favor of expectant moms not working after their 34th week but if I am feeling good then I will keep working.

 My step mom first told me about this. I plan on talking to my HR and my OB over the next couple weeks to look into this being a possibility for me as well.

Apparently you can take up to three months depending on if you doctor suggests it.

digwriter

You're all very lucky to be able to take the year. At only 55% of my salary I simply can't afford an entire year off. I'm going to take 4 months mat leave and then work from home for 8 months as best as I can. I wish I could have the whole year.

diabeticmom

Very thankful we have the option but unfortunately my husband isn't working right now so he has four months the find a job and if he doesn't I'm probably only going to take 3 months. $400 a week from EI is just not enough to live on.