Maternity leave?

serenbach · August 2014

Hi ladies,

I haven't arranged dates with my employer as of yet, I'm 29 weeks and still working as a pyschiatric nurse. I was working 12 hour shifts until fairly recently however I am now dropping them down to 6 hour shifts.

Are many of you still working? If so how much time do you plan on taking before your due date? And how much time do you plan on having off before returning to work?

In my head I feel like I might work until about 4 weeks before duedate then return about 3/4 months later but I get mixed reactions from people! However I enjoy working and where I work has a fantastic nursery with staff discount, I have supportive parents and in laws and can't help but feel like the longer amount of time I take off and get used to being a 24/7 mum the harder it will be to hand him over to a nursery.

erinchrisitne424 · August 2014

I was wondering the same thing I work in a nursing home as a midnight med tech. And need to decide when my last day will be I am also 29 weeks.

haboobjob · August 2014

I plan on working up until my due date and taking off about 2 months, returning in January. I'm a little worried I'll regret not taking off more time but I have a lot of events already scheduled for January/February/March.

archi35 · August 2014

Kaylajade8911 said:

Always do what's best for you and baby. Not others opinions and every mum feels different.

This. I was advised to stop at 32 weeks due to the AMA laws here, but I am going to 33 (SUCH a rebel I know : ) ). Quite frankly I'm feeling very tired these days so I couldn't imagine doing more than that but again everyone is different.

aminalex · August 2014

I told my employer that I'm going to stop coming in 2 weeks before my due date (earlier if needed). I can do stuff from home on a laptop if need be so he was totally fine with it. My commute time is an hour each way so it's more because of that than anything. Planning on taking the full 3 months they're giving me.

MrsL2B · August 2014

I plan to work until the last possible minute, but I have a desk job. It's the sitting all day in a non-ergonomically appropriate desk that's been wearing on me.

I'll probably know my "last possible minute" a bit in advance, since I'm high-risk and being closely monitored and considered for induction. Hopefully I won't have to take much time off before my due date, since I'd like to make my 12 weeks stretch through the end of December.

serenbach · August 2014

Thanks for the replies, I'm glad everyone seems to be on a similar page with this, I've had so many people asking if I'm taking a year off after and asking won't I feel like I'm missing out but I thought 3/4 months was normal time off afterwards! Just hope he won't be too difficult with sleeping at night as that will be hard

Liss1481 · August 2014

As long as my pregnancy continues without complications, I'm planning to work until my due date or until he comes. I want to take 10 or 12 weeks off after (most of my leave is unpaid and I have the main salary in the house).

JessAnnJ · August 2014

Until my due date, which is also what I did last time but I have a desk job.

If you have the opportunity to take off more time then I would say err on the side of taking more time off and then go back earlier if you change your mind. You can't predict how you will feel after baby is born and most people tend to with they had more time.

In terms of putting your child in daycare it will be difficult no matter when you do it, but I gets easier and eventually you realize there are benefits to it.

Dani0329 · August 2014

I was planning on working until 38 weeks, but it has become increasingly difficult since I never sit and have to meet productivity requirements. My boss is bringing in another therapist to replace me at 35 weeks, so I can spend a week updating them on my caseload. She said I can continue working for as long as I wish, which is now looking like 36 weeks. My situation is slightly different since we are in NJ and the state provides short term disability for pregnancy 4 weeks before and 6 weeks after for natural birth followed by 6 weeks of partial pay for bonding time.

Glas43 · August 2014

FTM but my plans are to work until i go into labor or until my doc says i cannot. My job is very physically demanding and i work 11 hour days(plus a total commute time of 2 hours). At 32 weeks now it is starting to catch up to me by my 8th hour at work but luckily work has been trying to work with me and my caseload to give me a little less of the physically agressive and physically demanding clients. I also am the primary source of income and my leave is mostly unpaid and some of it is a portion of my pay. I plan to return after 12 weeks but may try to use some vacation time at the end to keep me home during the holidays to return after the first of the year, but it depends on when this little bambino decides to make a debut!
Edit: words are hard!

mickeydoo · August 2014

I'll be working up till I give birth like last time and then I only get 6 weeks leave (8 if I have a c-section) unless I want to take it unpaid which we couldn't afford for me to do.

IrishHoney123 · August 2014

I am a nurse also (ER and PACU), and I will work until I go into labor. That's what I've done previously. I want to enjoy all of my time off with baby if I can! I will be off about 10 weeks.

atraveller · August 2014

I work from home and have a desk job. It leaves me with swollen ankles and feet by the end of the day as I work long hours, but its not too strenuous, so I plan to work until the Monday just before my due date - with me being on call (available if needed) that last week, unless of course I go into labor. My plan for that was so I could take as much time off with baby. It's all unpaid, but I've saved for that and work is being flexible and letting me carry my three months over a bit, so I can get through holidays and start back in the 2nd week in January.

golfingdarwinfish · August 2014

I'm going to start WFH either end of September/beginning of October, even though I have an EDD of 10/23. I work about 50 miles from where I will deliver, and even though I'm surrounded my medical professionals whom I love to tease that they can deliver me if something happens, they want no part in that.

Plus a large contingent of my team will be in Amsterdam the first week of October, and there's no way I will be coming in to be the only person here; at least if I stay home I can work European hours and be on the same schedule as everyone else.

My goal is to return mid-February.

PC0909 · August 2014

I will bribe my doc to write me a note saying I can't drive at 37 weeks and work from home until I go into labor. I only get 12 weeks off, so if I take it before the baby comes I lose out on time after. I'm hoping LO cooks until at least 38 weeks so I'm home through New Years.

mbobrow1 · August 2014

I am a kindergaren teacher, so at 30 weeks pregnant, I am just gearing up for full time (and I mean, FULL TIME) work. 23 kindergarteners, ohhhh man! I plan to work up until my water breaks, since I can only take 12 weeks (60 duty days in our school system). Just when I would love for things to be slowing, they are really picking up!

Thewizardofrhythm · August 2014

I plan to stop a week before my due date and take 4 months. Unless baby says otherwise

nightowl1989 · August 2014

Unless there's some medical reason I can't, I'll be working until labor starts, probably. Knowing my luck, I'll have to prove that I'm in labor or something before they'll let me leave.

raynes · August 2014

I've got a desk job but a 30-90 minute commute (depending on traffic) and I'd been thinking of working until 39 weeks, but I'm starting to think that 38 will be long enough. I'll be taking a full year off (well, 50 weeks of employment insurance paid mat leave and 2 weeks of vacation tacked on at the end).

Unknown · August 2014

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Firemanswife11 · August 2014

Jeez. Y'all are making me feel like crap. I'm only allowed 6 weeks off (three of those being vacation and one being PTO). Though, my employer is going to allow me to work from home after LO arrives, so that's better than having to put him in daycare (as daycare here is around $1,200 a month -- almost my mortgage payment.) I'm also going to talk my doctor into giving me a work-from-home notice a few weeks before my due date, if at all possible. Six weeks just doesn't feel like enough. I think I need to move to another country.

griffers · August 2014

I also only get 6 weeks unpaid, so I'll be working until labor starts. I can't waste any of that time before the birth! Going back after 6 weeks even is going to be really hard. Also my job is only protected for 30 days so I had to tell my boss that if my job was in jeopardy to call me and I'd come back early. Which totally sucks so I'll be really upset if that happens.

themiss · August 2014

I was planning on working until end of September, I'm due October 17th, and using my left over vacation days for the worst week of October.

However....with my back issues and lack of sleep, I'm starting to really feel it all taking a toll. Luckily, I have an amazing manager and company, and I am going to start taking Wednesdays off until I leave. I'm hoping that mid week break helps with my back issues, and I can rest, but it's getting difficult to focus on work and really put in effort. Half the time, I am dozing off, and the other half my back is killing me from our horrible office chairs.

[Deleted User] · August 2014

I also plan to work right up til the last possible minute, then will be taking 3 months off.

ashie0610 · August 2014

I'm still working now but will go out on disability 36 weeks, which is what's allowed by the state of New Jersey in a normal pregnancy. Since my son was born at 37.5 weeks, my midwives think I should take advantage of the full leave, and my employer will pay me at 100% pay given my tenure so I'm going to do it.

After baby is born, I'll take the full leave offered by my employer which is 24 weeks and includes a combination of disability, parental leave, and PTO. I'll burn through most of my PTO, but I did the same last time and it was definitely worth it!

MsMacual · August 2014

I worked up until I delivered with my first and then was off for 12 weeks after (about 8 weeks were paid- at least 60%- 5 were paid through my short term disability policy, 1 week was vacation time, and another 2 or so weeks were paid through sick time). I realized at about week 8 with my first that I don't do well being at home for an extended period of time so the last month was nice in terms of being with our son, but really hard for me. This time around, I happen to be between contracts at the moment and am hoping that I start something new soon. My plan will be the same- work up until LO is born and then I'm not exactly sure what my leave will look like after. Ideally, I'll do 6 weeks unpaid, but I'm open to starting back PT sooner (between 2-4 weeks) if everything is going well and I can work from home and return FT at 6 weeks.

linnae939 · August 2014

I'm a teacher, so I go back on 8/25 at almost 35 weeks, and I'm working until 10/3 (due date 10/4) I worked summer school as well, but I still have the next two weeks off which is nice to get stuff done. My hours are pretty nice (7-2:30) once I do go back and I can sit or walk whenever I need, so I'm not too concerned. Then I'm taking the rest of the school year off, and probably the next one. I'm very lucky to have professional status (like tenure) and work in a great district. If I did not have 6mo short term disability along with 14 weeks saved sick time (I can only use 8 weeks for vaginal delivery, 12 for a Csection) I would be going back in January (at the start of our new semester).

JessAnnJ · August 2014

@Firemanswife11‌ I work from home three days a week and it would be impossible for me to work and take care of LO so she still goes to daycare. Just wanted to throw that out there as a consideration, especially if you have things that you need to do at set times. Unless your job is very flexible and you can put in hours at night too, it will be very difficult to put in a full day and watch LO.

Anderson2651 · August 2014

I have a desk job also but unless something comes up I'm planning on working until 39 weeks when I'm scheduled for a C-Section. I get 12 weeks paid then have to take whatever PTO i have left for the year since I wont be back until Jan.

megaddie · August 2014

I get up to four weeks before birth and 6-8 weeks after with my disability. I could probably take more time off but I'm the yearbook advisor, so I'll have to play that by ear. I'm supposed to go in for a little over two weeks at the start of the year (soon!) and then be off two weeks before my due date but honestly, everything hurts and I've started throwing up again:(. I'm going to talk to my dr today!

kgrisham18 · August 2014

I plan on working up until my due date (I sit at a desk all day). I was originally thinking about working from home the last two weeks but I'll be training my new associate (and my manager will be out of the country). So it looks like I'm going to have to be in the office.

I plan on taking 12 weeks off after the baby.

netsipruitt · August 2014

Hoping to make it till my due date! I don't want to waste anytime off bf she is born. But I'm a restaurant manager...in a kitchen...and work 10-12 hr days!!! We will see if I can make it. !!! Fingers crossed !!

DreadGamerWife · August 2014

I set my final date of work as Friday, October 3rd (due date of the 8th). With having GD, it is highly unlikely that the various docs will let me go past my due date so I felt that it was a good idea to let my projects and managers know an absolute last day (assuming I don't deliver earlier). I also have a desk job and 30 minute commute (short for this area).

For taking time off, I will be completely off through the end of November and then work part time from home (most likely) until the beginning of January. One of my major projects is up for rebid and my position will become critical in December. Also, I don't want to use all of my vacation up and working part time will let me keep some hours to use after I return full time.

lrobi13 · August 2014

I have a desk job and a very short commute (most days) so I plan to be here until D-day. My future SIL works in the same building as me so if I go into labor here she is willing to drive me where I need to go! But I am so afraid of my water breaking here at work so I think for that last week I may be rocking some depends just in case!

I plan on being out 9-10 weeks (with about 5 weeks being unpaid ). I will go back to work the 1st or 2nd week of December and I am currently expecting this guy to be here the last week of September. MFM said they didn't want me to go past due date (10/1) due to the gestational diabetes.

Firemanswife11 · August 2014

JessAnnJ said:

@Firemanswife11‌ I work from home three days a week and it would be impossible for me to work and take care of LO so she still goes to daycare. Just wanted to throw that out there as a consideration, especially if you have things that you need to do at set times. Unless your job is very flexible and you can put in hours at night too, it will be very difficult to put in a full day and watch LO.

Fortunately, my schedule is incredibly flexible. I write for a newspaper so nothing is "set" and I have a coworker who can take care of the "big stuff" on the two days I'm at home while DH is on shift at the fire department. I can do all of my work via email or phone call.

Heck, my office is so laid back, they even let me bring my dogs to work. Lol.

So I guess in that respect I am incredibly lucky, despite six measly weeks of leave.

Shellysliv · August 2014

I will be stopping work on October 1st, taking all of October and November off working from home in December then back in the office in January

Starfish17 · August 2014

I'm working up until I go into labor (I did this with my 2 previous pregnancies). I would rather have the full 12 weeks off after baby comes, rather than sitting around waiting for labor to happen (unless it was medically necessary). I'll go back to work in January when the semester starts. You need to check with your employer to see how much time they grant you for maternity leave, and how much is paid/ unpaid. That may drive some of your decisions.

Mewwwwws · August 2014

My work allows for 22 weeks off - so five and half months about. And all but 6 of those weeks are paid. So I was going to take all 22 weeks but then my boss asked if I would consider coming back a bit sooner but doing half time instead of full. If I do that option then I will do four months off, then three months half time, then back to full time thereafter. I'll work up til 2 says before EDD.

savicke2009 · August 2014

Im due 10/20.. I'll probably work until about 10/6.. I work 13 hour days as a nurse 3-4 days a week in a super physical unit of our hospital.. plus I start getting crotchety around that time AND I want to spend some time at home with my boys before baby sis comes along

I'll take 12 weeks off total 6 paid (by short term disability) and 6 unpaid.. I'm thinking of looking for a new job while on maternity leave as well..

serenbach · August 2014

I think the maternity pay situation in the UK is different to what you guys are describing (I think we have it a lot easier), I don't know a single person that has ever worked until they actually go into labour... which in the middle of my work would be quite unprofessional as I'm caring for people and have to be dedicated to them individuals and their needs, alongside running a unit as a nurse in charge of 6 others so if I had to leave half way through a shift all hell would break loose!

But from what I gather in the UK you are entitled to a year maternity however the first few months are full pay, then it drops down to different % of pay then no pay, and if you take a few weeks off before the birth you get some sort of government support which I will be doing as I'm struggling already being on my feet all day... And baby brain and dishing out medication is not a good mix!

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