Maternity Leave question

Chattsgirl · November 2011

Hi Ladies. I am 30 weeks as of yesterday and officially going downhill.

I have had this crazy cough/congestion going on for a week, it's at the point where my muscles are sore from coughing fits and DH sleeps in another room b/c we are afraid of him getting sick too and one of us has to stay healthy to take care of DS. My GP thought it was bacterial and gave me antibiotics (PG safe) but it didn't do anything, which leads me to think it is a virus and will leave my body when it feels like it. Also - my heartburn is OUT of control. I had it pretty bad the 1st time around also. Not to mention chasing after my fully mobile, 15 month old new walker DS who loves to get into EVERYTHING and anything he can get his hands on.

My company gives up to 4 weeks before (w/ Dr. note) and 6-8 week after (depending on delivery type) paid at 100%. After that it's 12 weeks unpaid, which thankfully DH and I can afford b/c we have been saving up this year for it.

I have an OB appt today (next one will be in 2 weeks) - is it too early to ask for a note to be written out on Maternity leave? I would ask for my last day to be Dec 16th - 4 weeks before my due date. I just want to get the paperwork started and filled out, etc. My company sometimes also drags on paperwork as well. . .

Last time I asked for 2 weeks b/c I was doing fine. . . but this time around it's a WHOLE different experience.

Thoughts?

SoonToBeMsP · November 2011

If your company gives up to 4, ask for 4! You obviously need the time off (sorry about that, by the way!) and so I'd ask for it.

rosebud218 · November 2011

I see nothing wrong with asking to get it started. When I worked with my first son I had to get the same paper a million times signed by my dr, the company was awful at things like that. My dr was so tired of it.

Oatoa · November 2011

My company also will give me 4 weeks before with a Dr.'s note. So far, I'm doing fine. Because I can, I will be taking that time off. My plan is to get the note at my next appt (11-14) and begin the paperwork as soon as possible. There is no reason to not begin to plan for your leave in advance. It will allow everyone at your job to know when to expect your leave to begin and will allow you to see a light at the end of the tunnell.