Maternity Leave- How long to take?

daniconwell@aol.com · July 2013

I just started a new job 7 weeks ago- thankfully it's mostly all work from home, with the exception of 2-3 days a week. They are very supportive and aware that I am pregnant and expecting our first baby in mid-October. My boss would like me to write up a proposal on my maternity leave to get approved.

Just a little background information, I am a pretty hard worker and I can get bored easily, especially not working. Also, this is for a church so although it is work from home, it would require long Sundays. My husband was hoping to take 2-4 weeks off to help.

I am wondering if 2 weeks of Maternity Leave is completely crazy. I would take Sundays off a little longer, but since it's work from home, I figure I could manage emails and what not after 2 weeks.

I would love any input from experienced moms! Thank you ladies!

huntjul · July 2013

From talking with other new moms while trying to decide my own maternity leave, I found out no one recommended a maternity leave shorter than 6 weeks. So yes, I think 2 weeks is crazy, even for working from home. Post this on the Working Moms board if you want BTDT advice, but I guarantee you won't get a single working mom who says she was ready to work at 2 weeks pp.

if you're convinced that you need less than average, tell your employer 6 weeks and then if you're bored stiff after 4 weeks, offer to start working early. It's always easier to go back earlier than ask for more time.

shelley1002 · July 2013

I would take no less than 6 weeks for a vaginal delivery or 8 weeks for a csection. I know my workplace required a letter from my OB stating I am medically cleared to return to work.

CarolinaGirl411 · July 2013

I am allowed 6 weeks for a vaginal delivery and up to 12 for c-section through my employer. I am also required to have a written letter stating when I am able to return to work so I guess it depends on my OB and the actual delivery. H is only taking up to a week, depending on when the LO arrives.

pinkypinklolly · July 2013

I'm in a similar situation. I run a home daycare so I'm working from home all the time. I'm only taking 2 weeks off when the baby arrives and plan to re-open with the help of either my mom or hubby for at least the first week open. (unless I have a c-section). This is because I don't want to lose the kids I watch now and I love them too. They've become attached to me as well. Plus I need the income, period.

Ayreka · July 2013

I run an in home daycare as well and I plan on taking four weeks. That's what I did last time and while it kind of sucks I just deal with it. I don't think anything less than four gives you enough time to heal or bond with baby.

Revjamie · July 2013

I was working at a church with my first child and took six weeks. It went fast! Although it was not easy to leave her to go back, I was ready to see the congregation again. Anything under six weeks would have felt too short for me. This time, I am working as a chaplain and don't get paid leave. I will take 56 weeks as that is all I can save up money/vacation time for. I think you need to listen to your gut, and as someone mentioned, what income will allow.

CousinVicki · July 2013

lol that you think you will be 'not working' and 'bored' with a newborn at home. lolol. 2 weeks seems to me that you are more concerned with your church job than raising your own child. pretty lame-o. i use every single ounce of time i can to bond with my child.

and no, you can NOT work from home with a newborn, no way.

njmamak · July 2013

I would take at least 6 weeks. As someone said, you can't even get medically cleared to go back to work until then. And not to be a Debbie Downer, but your ability to sit might still be impaired at that point

. If I were you, I'd ask for at least 6 weeks, and then if you feel like it you can start doing some work a little earlier on your own terms. Good luck!

JenMatt2010 · July 2013

I did a little work from home around 8 wks with DS and it suuuucked. I was so not ready to split my time. 2 weeks is insane, you will be exhausted and want to spend all your waking time with your new baby.

daniconwell@aol.com · July 2013

Thank you all for your input. Now rethinking 4 weeks and if I feel well enough to do a little work earlier, I can always do that. Financially, we can't do much more. My husband is taking 2 weeks off paid/2 unpaid. I think it's better to take a longer time as many of you had said.

daniconwell@aol.com · July 2013

I have been around babies and infants for years. Newborns/infants sleep for the majority of the day. Yes it's exhausting getting up at all hours, but it has nothing to do with my commitment as a mother.

I asked for helpful advice, not a rude and judgmental comment.

daniconwell@aol.com · July 2013

CousinVicki:
lol that you think you will be 'not working' and 'bored' with a newborn at home. lolol. 2 weeks seems to me that you are more concerned with your church job than raising your own child. pretty lame-o. i use every single ounce of time i can to bond with my child.
and no, you can NOT work from home with a newborn, no way.

I have been around babies and infants for years. Newborns/infants sleep for the majority of the day. Yes it's exhausting getting up at all hours, but it has nothing to do with my commitment as a mother.

I asked for helpful advice, not a rude and judgmental comment.

CousinVicki · July 2013

daniconwell@aol.com:
CousinVicki:
lol that you think you will be 'not working' and 'bored' with a newborn at home. lolol. 2 weeks seems to me that you are more concerned with your church job than raising your own child. pretty lame-o. i use every single ounce of time i can to bond with my child.
and no, you can NOT work from home with a newborn, no way.

I have been around babies and infants for years. Newborns/infants sleep for the majority of the day. Yes it's exhausting getting up at all hours, but it has nothing to do with my commitment as a mother.
I asked for helpful advice, not a rude and judgmental comment.

um, no, they eat for the majority of the day too, and are UP MOST OF THE NIGHT. and , it's YOUR child not someone else's. you should want to be with them as their mother.

also, if things are tight financially tell your husband to only take off 2 weeks, and forget the 2 weeks unpaid. this should buy you another couple weeks at least yes?

JenMatt2010 · July 2013

My husband took off 2 weeks, and to be honest I was ready for him to go back to work by then. It was easier to get into a groove with the baby when it was just the 2 of us. Could he take 2 weeks, and then extend it if you both wanted him to? Agree with CV that if you could get more time if he took less, it might be better.

Also, I get bored easily and worked a LOT before DS came. As soon as he was here, I did NOT want to be away from him. Now I'm a very happy SAHM. Good luck to you!

JenMatt2010 · July 2013

Oh, and I had to have an unexpected csection with DS and was in the hospital for 5 days. A 2 week leave would have only given me about a week at home with baby before working again, and that would have been SO hard

shelley1002 · July 2013

I agree with the PP who said she was ready for her DH to go back to work after 2 weeks. It made it easier to get get a routine down with the baby's naps and feedings. Of course that routine is based on the schedule the baby decides not what you decide.

daniconwell@aol.com · July 2013

CousinVicki:
daniconwell@aol.com:
CousinVicki:
lol that you think you will be 'not working' and 'bored' with a newborn at home. lolol. 2 weeks seems to me that you are more concerned with your church job than raising your own child. pretty lame-o. i use every single ounce of time i can to bond with my child.
and no, you can NOT work from home with a newborn, no way.

I have been around babies and infants for years. Newborns/infants sleep for the majority of the day. Yes it's exhausting getting up at all hours, but it has nothing to do with my commitment as a mother.
I asked for helpful advice, not a rude and judgmental comment.

um, no, they eat for the majority of the day too, and are UP MOST OF THE NIGHT. and , it's YOUR child not someone else's. you should want to be with them as their mother.
also, if things are tight financially tell your husband to only take off 2 weeks, and forget the 2 weeks unpaid. this should buy you another couple weeks at least yes?

I think you are missing the point. I took a work from home job so I CAN be with my baby...

daniconwell@aol.com · July 2013

JenMatt2010:
Oh, and I had to have an unexpected csection with DS and was in the hospital for 5 days. A 2 week leave would have only given me about a week at home with baby before working again, and that would have been SO hard

Good point! I didn't think of extra hospital time.. I am putting in a request for 4 weeks and if I can come back earlier, it gives me the flexibility to do so. As many of you know, babies come out with their own personalities (sleep habits, feeding needs, screamer/calm) that you just can't always plan how easy or difficult it will be.

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