Other Canadian mommies?

Under.the.Rose · September 2010

Quick question (cuz I'm curious!). When exactly are you leaving work?

I know a lot of our American counterparts on here are working right til the end and this was my plan too... however as I get closer to my EDD I'm really starting to struggle at work and I'm starting to think that it was just wishful thinking. We're very blessed to have 1 year off here in Canada and I feel horrible thinking about wasting some of that time before baby even arrives, but the idea is getting really tempting because I'm just sooo exhausted!

Lisa16 · September 2010

I'm working up until a week before my EDD. I figured that I would be bored being at home by myself for much longer than that just waiting for the baby! I'm not a very patient person! I'm lucky, though, because my job doesn't consist of much manual labour- mainly just desk work- so I haven't been feeling too exhausted yet.

JBrianne · September 2010

I'm a retail manager, so was on my feet 40+ hours / week, so I started Sept 4th, was due the 23rd. Presumably I'll have a baby sometime before I've had a full month off

I probably could have gone another week, but it was getting really tough near the end and I was definitely not bringing my A game to the store, so I think it was for the best. I never had any teeny tiny thought in my head of going right till the end, just because of the nature of my job. If I had an office type job, I would likely leave about a week early. Having the extra time off has been nice for making sure everything is done around the house and in the nursery, that's for sure!

lesleslie · September 2010

I saved my vacation time and have been off since the beginning of Sept. I just can't even imagine being at work right now. I'm exhausted and wadling around feeling like I'm constantly being stabbed in the va jay. My job wasn't manually exhausting at all but is very emotionally draining and I was ready to be off when I left! If I give birth early my vacation gets carried over to next year, if I go late my mat leave starts on my EDD.

New_MrsP · September 2010

I'm a teacher, so I have accumulated sick days that I could take first. My Dr wrote me a note so that I didn't have to go back in September. My mat leave "officially" starts 1 week before my due date, but according to Service Canada, you can begin your mat leave up to 8 weeks prior to your EDD.

And as for time off now, versus at the end. Because I'm a teacher, I will be going back to work in September 2011, when LO will be almost 11 months old. I could stay off until the first week of October, but it seems like a lot of unnecessary hassle, job-wise, for the sake of a month. If you're ready to go off, go off. Going back at 11 versus 12 months is not going to make that big of a difference, IMHO.

AmandaJordan1985 · September 2010

So far I plan on working up till a week before my EDD. I've had a very easy pregnancy and am only now starting to feel the wrath of muscle pain, soreness and all around b*tchiness. I might take an extra week off depending how I feel.

You're right about one thing though, we really are blessed to have the whole year available to us.

teshy1 · September 2010

My plan is to work up until my EDD, December 27. Having said that, if I'm feeling just way too uncomfortable to work toward the end of the pregnancy, I have no issue going on mat leave earlier and then using some vacation time at the end of next year.

Yes, bless the 1-year mat leave in Canada! I am originally from the U.S. and it disgusted me that we only got 3 months, IF we were lucky and worked for an employe with good benefits.

trinadesrosiers · September 2010

I agree with you. I was hoping to work till my due date, but have changed my mind recently.

I am due Dec 12 and am working until the end of November. I think I will be more productive at home the last couple weeks since my drive at work is certainly not what it used to be!

blondek8 · September 2010

My OB pulled me out of work at 28 weeks b/c of the twin factor. I've been using short-term disability since then and it doesn't cut into my mat leave at all. Mat leave will start once the babies are born. I intend to take the full year. My employer also tops us up to 85%.

kristenrudderham · September 2010

I'm going on sick leave two weeks before my due date, then mat leave will kick in whenever the baby comes. I wasn't sure I'd want to leave that early, but we've moved and the house needs little things sorted and I am really, really uncomfortable. It started last week, but now I'm actually hobbling and limping with a waddle. It's ridiculous!

MrsSeli · September 2010

I'm working until 3 weeks before my EDD. I was originally going to stop at the end of September (EDD is Oct 30) but decided a couple more weeks wouldn't hurt. Plus, my replacement was going to be on holidays until Oct. 12 so by working until Oct 9 I solved the problem of having to get relief in. Unfortunately, my replacement has since quit, so we're using relief anyway until my boss can find someone permanent. Awesome.

Anyway, I'm on my feet all day so I didn't really want to work until the end. Plus, if I went into labour and had to leave, they'd have to shut the store down until they could get someone else in. So it just made more sense to take a few weeks to myself. I plan on cooking and freezing meals during my time off!

MrsSeli · September 2010

p.s. technically, you're supposed to give 6 weeks notice of your intended day of departure, unless it becomes medically necessary to leave sooner. Otherwise, I don't think your employer has to hold your job for you. So if you do leave sooner than planned, you might want to get a doctor's note saying you have to!

britne08 · September 2010

I am due December 5th, last day of work is November 5th, Vacation until November 25th. Maternity leave starts November 26th. I didn't use much vacation this year so I am using it up at the end. I would like to work until she is due but I work 12hr shifts on my feet and I know I would be exhausted.

Under.the.Rose · September 2010

MrsSeli:
p.s. technically, you're supposed to give 6 weeks notice of your intended day of departure, unless it becomes medically necessary to leave sooner. Otherwise, I don't think your employer has to hold your job for you. So if you do leave sooner than planned, you might want to get a doctor's note saying you have to!

Oh for sure! I know that if I have to leave early now that it'll have to be on doctor's orders essentially or if baby arrives.

Tuscana · September 2010

I've been off since last wednesday - 2 weeks before my EDD. I'm using up lieu days and vacation before starting my mat leave. I know some people use that time at the end of the year but since I plan on only taking 9 months I decided to take that now. DH will take the other 3 months.

I am so thankful for the year mat leave and don't know how the US mommies go back so soon.

neurda · September 2010

I'm due december 14 and will work until december 2nd. you can go on disability before mat leave if you feel you can't work the whole time. apparently it is pretty easy.

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