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3rd Trimester
Conflicted about Maternity Leave (Long)
Hi ladies,
If you are taking maternity leave, when are you starting? I was initially planning to go out about two weeks before my due date. This last month has been hellish though and I am so uncomfortable every day w/ sciatica and RLP (been to the chiroprachtor (sp?), have been using an ice pack on my back, Tylenol and also have the belly support band so I think this is as good as it is going to get until after delivery).
I work in a small 20 person satellite office as the only administrative person and the job is somewhat physical (e.g. lots of walking around the office, restocking office supplies, making copies, etc.). I cut my hours back to 6-7 per day and my Dr. wrote me a note that said I should not be doing anything other than sitting at my desk (sitting is starting to become uncomfortable now, too) but realistically this just isn't happening because there is no one who can help me do the more physical work.
So now I am thinking I should just muddle through the end of this month, train the temp that they have waiting for me in the wings and just have the month of September to rest and prepare for LO. I am allowed to take up to 18 weeks off for ML so I am not worried about getting to spend adequate bonding time with her after the birth as I think 3 months should be sufficient. I'm just kind of worried about going stir crazy from going on ML at 35 weeks and since I have been dealing with depression throughout the pregnancy I think that the socialization I get at work is better for me (from a mental standpoint) than being home all day.
WWYD? TIA!
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Re: Conflicted about Maternity Leave (Long)
I'd try to stay at work at least a few more weeks, especially with the depression issues. Physical work isn't all bad, it may even help you deliver sooner. Think of the pregnant SAHM'S who clean and pick their kids up all day. I think going on ML at 38 weeks is perfect. What if you went a week overdue? You'd end up being off for 6 weeks before LO even got here! That's 1/2 your leave!
I am really hoping to work right up until my due date. I'm a nurse & work 12 hour night shifts...so easier said than done! I have 12 weeks off paid so I don't want to take off early. I'd rather spend that time with my baby. I'm jealous of your 18 weeks! Wow!
If I were you, I'd work until you absolutely can't anymore...but that is just me. GL deciding.
I would recommend working as long as you can. I started maternity 2 weeks before my EDD and since DS#1 was 10 days late....those weeks felt like an eternity!!!!!!!! I could only keep myself so busy. I can't imagine if you would have to wait a month or 6 weeks.
GL!
Big E (6) & Little E (2.5)
I started maternity leave this Monday?last day was Fri. 7/31 at 39w1d. Those last two weeks were hard but I think I would have gone crazy if I'd stopped sooner.
This week I could not have managed it.
Maybe do what I did and stop at week 39?
Good luck!
Bronx Zoo: Summer 2013
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