July 2017 Moms

WM Check-in?

edited March 2017 in July 2017 Moms
Would anyone object to a weekly Working Mom check-in? I STILL haven't had the time to reach out to anyone about how to prepare for my upcoming maternity leave, much less figured out how to get a pump through insurance, among other tasks. I'd love a weekly check-in just to keep myself accountable and pick up any tips along the way from fellow WMs. 

How far along are you?

When do you plan on going on maternity leave?

Upcoming appointments this week?

Any new symptoms or changes?

Rants/Raves/Questions?

GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)


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Re: WM Check-in?

  • I'll start, and if this is a lonely party of 1, don't worry, I'll just stop! 

    How far along are you?
    22 weeks 

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave?
    Need to figure this out - my repeat c/s is scheduled for 7/18, and I just heard from a coworker that AMAs get a month before the due date.. 

    Upcoming appointments this week?
    nope

    Any new symptoms or changes?
    Getting dressed for work is such a pain. I don't like jeans even when I'm not pregnant, but flowy tops and dresses are starting to make me feel blimp-ish

    Rants/Raves/Questions?
    Basically my question below re: what others have done to prep for maternity leave

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)
    Only that people know I'm pregnant and going to have a baby in July. I still haven't reached out to HR or anything, not sure when that happens or how that happens! I don't remember when I started sorting through everything with my last go-around back in 2011, but it's starting to creep up. 
    I am trying to secure a promotion before I leave for maternity leave, but we'll see how that goes - it takes so long here, I have a new VP, will be getting another new boss, and an associate to manage, so a lot of things are up in the air right now. 
  • How far along are you? 23+6

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave? Whenever baby comes!

    Upcoming appointments this week? Tomorrow - 24 weeks appt

    Any new symptoms or changes? Not really anything new. Baby feels like it's doing karate in there. I have sciatic pain anytime I try to do too much. My arms hurt from sleeping on my sides. Womp womp 

    Rants/Raves/Questions? Nope

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)

    Nada except I printed the paperwork. I intend to take it to my appointment to drop off tomorrow but I'll probably forget. I work from home and my team will cover my area while I'm gone (there are only 8 of us throughout the state) and it really shouldn't be a burden for them. 
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  • How far along are you?
    23w5d

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave?
    Not really sure. Ideally not until I have to. But I have to line up someone to cover my leave... which means I may have to have an actual date rather than a "whenever baby shows up" date. 

    Upcoming appointments this week?
    Dental cleaning! My next OB appt is the following week. 

    Any new symptoms or changes?
    I'm also starting to get sciatica pain after a lot of walking around (like shopping after work)

    Rants/Raves/Questions?
    Rant: my scrub bottoms will fit great the entire pregnancy (yay low rise), but my tops are already tight. :| I think I'll just switch to a regular maternity t-shirt to wear since I wear a jacket on top while seeing patients and those will hopefully fit great too. 

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)
    My boss knows I am pregnant. And I recently said 'we need to sit down soon and discuss my leave' but that is the most that has happened. I'm worried about PTL and having to leave work sooner, so I really want to have a plan. 
    ***** TTCAL/Forever Buddy to Cour10e******
    -m/c at 11w2d due to partial molar 2008 -m/c #2 2009
    Beautiful daughter born February 2011
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    **Ultimate TTCALer 2009**

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  • LuLiLaEvLuLiLaEv member
    edited March 2017
    I like this idea @satsumasandlemons!!

    How far along are you?
    21w4d

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave? 
    Last time I worked up until my due date, but that last week was miserable with everyone exclaiming "ohhh, no baby?!" when I walked in that I took that next week off cause I couldn't stand it anymore(DD was 5 days overdue) I plan on basically doing the same thing. I don't really want to use my vacation/maternity leave until the baby's here, but if I'm miserable I will.

    Upcoming appointments this week? Not again until April

    Any new symptoms or changes? 

    Rants/Raves/Questions? I told my boss around 13 weeks and slowly let my coworkers find out through the grapevine. I think almost everyone knows but I'm still getting obnoxious questions like "so you're going to try for a boy next?!" and "where are you hiding that baby?" :|

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.) 
    Ugh. Nothing really. My boss has the date marked on our sharepoint calendar and hopefully will have me start training the other analysts on my job eventually. My job in the department was just created for me a year ago and no one knows how to do it, so I'm really stressing getting someone trained and it taken over before I go. I can't do any paperwork with HR until baby is here and I can do all that from my laptop at home. My biggest concern is not coming back to thousands of emails like last time so I plan on logging in 1x a month to sort/read through them. Other than that I've told my boss I'm taking the full 16 weeks, I will do anything and everything I can to make it a smooth transition to someone else. I will not be available once baby is here. 

    Edit: Because apparently I can't even remember how long my maternity leave is...
  • How far along are you? 21+1

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave? 
    FTM and sort of playing it by ear. Ideally I'll work until the baby comes but I have a hour commute so we'll see how my doctor feels about that. Ideally I'd telework the last week or so. 

    Upcoming appointments this week? no 

    Any new symptoms or changes? maybe starting to get acid reflux. 

    Rants/Raves/Questions? 

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)

    Talked to my boss and we agreed on 12 weeks leave. Talked to HR and apparently the only paperwork I need is a sick note for using more than 3 days of sick leave after the birth which seems silly. I apparently don't need to do FMLA paperwork as long as my boss is ok with the leave, but I want to follow up on that for the job protection reasons (e.g. What if my boss quits while I'm on leave and suddenly the new boss isn't ok with it... lots of worst case scenarios running through my head). 
    BabyFruit Ticker
  • sakeefersakeefer member
    edited March 2017
    How far along are you? 
    22w2d

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave?
    Whenever she decides to show up, or if I need to have a repeat c-section I'll likely work up until the Sunday before I deliver (unless I'm off that weekend then it'll be the Wednesday before-- I have a set schedule)
     
    Upcoming appointments this week?
     
    No appointments

    Any new symptoms or changes?

    More round ligament pain. My heartburn has subsided some so I'm thankful for that! 

    Rants/Raves/Questions?


    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork,  /designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)
    Other than my boss and coworkers knowing, I haven't done anything. I don't have to have anyone cover me that I'm responsible for finding at  least. I should probably find out what I need to do from the HR standpoint though

    Edited: because pregnancy brain had me thinking I was a week behind what I actually am. 

  • How far along are you? 22+1

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave? 
    Ideally, I plan on working right up until the very end.  I work in higher education and fortunately, the summer is our down time. I'm hoping that I'll be able to work from home the last two weeks. I'm able to load my work computer via remote desktop from home and I have access to my voicemail. Other than seeing my face, there's no real need for me to be in the office. 

    Upcoming appointments this week? Check up on Friday. 

    Any new symptoms or changes? Just lots and lots of movement.  :)

    Rants/Raves/Questions? My rant is how horrible the maternity leave at my work is.  As a state employee, we only get 10 days paid maternity leave. The remainder is either unpaid FMLA or paid if I use all of my sick, vacation and personal leave. I am lucky that I've been hoarding my time for the last two years. I have about 9 weeks saved up right now. I just keep thinking that if I hadn't done that, I'd be completely screwed right now. 

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.) 
    I met with HR back in January and I will have to fill out FMLA paperwork at some point.  I am planning on taking 14 weeks off and hopefully returning the first week of November.  My boss and I have had brief chats about who might cover my work when I'm out, but nothing's been finalized yet. We do need to get on that soon, so I can begin training my replacement. My boss has been great so far with everything. It also helps that her daughter is pregnant and due about two weeks after me. 
    Me: 36  DH: 40
    Together since 2007 | Married June 2013

    TTC #1: June 2015
    BFP: 11/9/16 |  EDD: 7/22/17
       <3 DD born 7/16/17

    TTC #2: December 2018
    BFP: 2/26/19 | EDD: 11/7/19
    <3 DS born 11/3/19 

    TTC #3: January 2024
    Mirena out 1/23/24
  • How far along are you?
    25 weeks

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave?
    I am struggling with this. German law allows me to stop 6 weeks prior to EDD and receive full salary, but... I love my job, work from home, and am the only one doing it. Currently plan is to take 2 weeks. 

    Upcoming appointments this week?
    3 hour gestational diabetes test on Tuesday. Woof.

    Any new symptoms or changes?
    Turning the corner on feeling BIG. Otherwise, just the usual pregnancy stuff.

    Rants/Raves/Questions?
    My boss is amazingly supportive. I only half jokingly asked DH about naming a daughter after her. She has encouraged me not to rush back to work, and promised my job is secure. She doesn't have kids, either - just an incredible human being. 

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)
    I have to submit a "Leave Plan" tomorrow. This will include hiring a temporary replacement for me (I will do that, and train them). And I then am coming to HQ next week to discuss with our leadership team how to keep everything in my portfolio moving ahead while I am out. I am planning to take 6-8 months off (of the 12 I am entitled to), and then ease back in part-time for a little while. (German law, baby!)
    We can't really get a daycare spot for LO until s/he is a year old. My job has a lot of travel, and I probably won't pick that up again until we can get LO into daycare. That is stressing me out.
    I hired a "maternity consultant" to help me with all the paperwork and bureaucracy here. There are several government subsidies, but the paperwork is a BEAST. I am grateful but overwhelmed. I will receive about 40% of my salary while I am on leave. 

    This is my second kid, and I am not feeling as pulled to work this time. I want to enjoy time with the baby and our family, guilt-free. I absolutely love my job and it is important, but not more important than my family. 
  • How far along are you? 25 weeks

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave? 
    my "leave" is more like two months of unemployment prior to starting my new job lol. I'm hoping to work until my residency finishes at the end of June so I don't have to "give back" any days prior to starting the new job.

    Upcoming appointments this week? growth scan tomorrow and ob appt wednesday

    Any new symptoms or changes? more of the same

    Rants/Raves/Questions?

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)
    Like noted above, since I won't technically be employed during that time period (july and august) there's not too much for me to do but I do plan on applying for disability benefits to help with the loss of income during that time, and otherwise trying to squirrel away as much money as we can if at all possible.
    TTC history in spoiler
    Me: 31 Him: 37
    Married: Oct 2015
    Baby G born June 2017
    TTC#2: July 2018
    BFP #2: 2/6/19 MC 3/14/19
    BFP#3 from IUI #2: 6/30/20 EDD 3/9/21

    Babysizer Cravings Pregnancy  Baby Tracker


  • I'll join in on this one. 

    How far along are you?
    20 weeks 4 days

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave?
    I teach, so I'll be on summer vacation when baby gets here.  I just have my notices at work that I won't be returning next year.  I will still work. I just have to figure out where. 

    Upcoming appointments this week?
    Not until April 13th.

    Any new symptoms or changes?
    My hemorrhage came back, so I have to take it easy.  It showed up at last week's appointment, but since I'm not bleeding,  I don't have to go back on bed rest.

    Rants/Raves/Questions?
    I told my students (3rd grade)  that loud noises make my baby upset, so they have been working really hard to keep my classroom calm and  quiet.  When I told them this,  one of my student said her mom told her the same thing.  

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)
    I've started separating my belongings from school belongings. 
    Pregnancy Ticker
  • How far along are you? 24 weeks + 2 days

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave? 
    I'm a teacher, so my situation is a little different. Our last day of school is June 2. With my first son, I was due in May (so my leave would definitely take me to summer, regardless) so I chose to go on leave about 2 weeks before my EDD. So I'm sure I'll be more than ready to be done with work in June.

    Upcoming appointments this week? I have an appointment on Tuesday. Have to do the glucose test. :(

    Any new symptoms or changes? This baby is just all out in front. That's not a humble brag, my ass has gotten plenty wide also, but I feel like my belly is huge, and it's just killing my back. I got a pregnancy support belt and I want to wear it 24/7, but I read that maybe that's not such a good .

    Rants/Raves/Questions? I'm feeling really conflicted about work with this pregnancy. I just really wish I was due in May or June so I could have more time at home with the baby. I will take PTO up to 6 weeks after the birth if the birth date is within 6 weeks of the beginning of school (so after July 9). Other than that, I could take unpaid time off up to 12 weeks, but missing the beginning of the school year would be so hard. So basically, I'm just crossing my fingers and praying that I can get this baby out as early as possible so I have time to ease in to daycare after 6 weeks and spend more time with him before I have to go back full time.

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)
    I ran into our HR lady at mass... we chatted about it. LOL that's about it, since I likely won't have any leave besides summer vacation. The difficult part of being a working mom for me will be after I go back and have to deal with daycare and pumping and stuff. 
  • This is a great idea!

    How far along are you? 24w1d

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave?
    When the baby is born? It all depends on when she decides she wants to join the world. I'll definitely have everything ready to go a few weeks beforehand in the event something happens.

    Upcoming appointments this week? Monthly OB check on Friday, immediately followed by my follow-up AS.

    Any new symptoms or changes? Why, hello, indigestion! 

    Rants/Raves/Questions?

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)
    I told my boss? I mean, I'm sure I'll have to do some kind of FMLA paperwork (if I can't get donated leave) at some point. I should have about 8 weeks of leave saved up at that point between vacation time and sick time. As for my actual job, I luckily have a great team and my boss and I have already talked about what projects I can give to someone less senior to watch for those 12-ish weeks I'm out. I'm trying to make sure there's no hard stuff for someone to do while I'm gone. We'll see if that actually happens.
    Married: 10/13/2013
    TTC #1: Mirena removed 5/26/2015; DH - normal SA, me - diagnosed with PCOS 8/4/2016 - on Metformin; BFP - 10/29/2016!!!, EDD - 7/8/2017; DD born 6/29/2017
  • How far along are you? 24+4

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave?  
    I plan on working until I go into labor, but I guess we will see how well that goes. If I go a week over my EDD I might start leave then.

    Upcoming appointments this week? Nope.

    Any new symptoms or changes? How far along are you? Some cramping which is possibly RLP but I am not 100% convinced. 

    Rants/Raves/Questions? Just finished putting together her closet organization system and I am so obsessed. It's the little things lol

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.) 
    I haven't really talked to anyone too much in detail. My boss knows I plan to take the 12 week "standard" but it might be longer than that. Especially since I plan on working from home a decent amount after the first few weeks. My boss and I just don't trust the analyst that works under me not to screw things up while I am gone. I just don't think he can handle it and I am perfectionist so I would rather do the work and know it's done right than risk him doing it wrong. Kinda sad actually lol. Maybe by July I will trust him more...a girl can dream.

    I did start paying into short term disability last year in preparation for us TTC. That will get me 60% pay while I am out, but I think it's tax free which is awesome. I need to talk to HR to get clarification on how long that is good for. I thought I read 8 weeks originally but now when I look at the plan it looks like 13 weeks. I also need to get clarification on how that works if I plan to work PT from home. I think I have to use my accrued PTO before that kicks in though, which I will probably have 2+ weeks stored up at that point. 

    Babysizer Cravings Pregnancy Tracker
  • How far along are you? 22+5

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave? 
    I think until my due date...my schedule is bad until the end of June but changes very much for the better starting July 1. 

    Upcoming appointments this week? Nothing this week 

    Any new symptoms or changes? Trouble sleeping, baby moving a lot, and joint pain (that one is totally new for me).   

    Rants/Raves/Questions? I just wish I had more maternity leave, as I'm sure we all do... also I'm trying to figure out when to start looking for a nanny... ugh it makes me sad just to type it out 

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.) 
    I met I talked to my boss about it ? Does that count ? No paperwork done whatsoever. I will not need to find a replacement though.
  • JAM85JAM85 member
    edited March 2017
    How far along are you? 24w5d

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave?
    well my situation is different and I don't get actual maternity leave. I have a part time job I get zero paid leave for and we own our own business that is our main source of income and of course I don't get anything for that either. So I don't plan on going on it until I am having the baby and then I have to be back in 4 weeks max otherwise I have no income coming in from the part time job. For the business we are photographers so I have to have a second shooter take over for me around 36-37 weeks likely depending how I am feeling with 8-12 hour workdays for shooting a wedding at that point. We have one schedule starting at 35 weeks just ok case. I went into labor at 38w with DD so better safe than sorry. I also coach swimming and that I will probably now out of around June (due July 4th) since summer sessions start and they need someone there the whole summer

    Upcoming appointments this week? nope little over 2w until glucose test appt

    Any new symptoms or changes? pelvis pain is getting bad and I got a belt since all my jobs are on my feet and I work out so much. Doesn't seem to be doing that much 

    Rants/Raves/Questions? 

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)

    so my part time job is during the week as a private chef for an investment firm and they all know. I'm not sure what they are planning to do likely receptionist will go back to picking food up for the month I'm out but I do have a job saved because it is such a small place and they like me :). The photography as I mentioned we have a second shooter lined up already so we have no issues with coverage for our weddings. I'm hoping to shoot as long as I can although we did a 12 hour one 3 weeks ago and I was hobbling by the end and we have weddings every weekend until I'm 40w : / not the best planning as I hate the thought of not being there for some weddings but the last few I just have to concede.

    and I just ordered my breast pump through Edgepark thanks to the BF pump thread here!


    BabyFruit Ticker
  • @mj8215 We talked to a nanny service and they said they recommend starting 8-10 weeks before you need one, just because nannies usually don't know super early that they'll need a new job. It probably depends on the area though.  
    BabyFruit Ticker
  • @AdaByron why isn't it a good idea to wear the support belt all the time?
    TTC history in spoiler
    Me: 31 Him: 37
    Married: Oct 2015
    Baby G born June 2017
    TTC#2: July 2018
    BFP #2: 2/6/19 MC 3/14/19
    BFP#3 from IUI #2: 6/30/20 EDD 3/9/21

    Babysizer Cravings Pregnancy  Baby Tracker


  • @AdaByron why isn't it a good idea to wear the support belt all the time?
    Something about your abdominal muscles not strengthening on their own. Like you'll become dependent on it.
  • AdaByron said:
    @AdaByron why isn't it a good idea to wear the support belt all the time?
    Something about your abdominal muscles not strengthening on their own. Like you'll become dependent on it.
    Ahhh ok that makes sense 
    TTC history in spoiler
    Me: 31 Him: 37
    Married: Oct 2015
    Baby G born June 2017
    TTC#2: July 2018
    BFP #2: 2/6/19 MC 3/14/19
    BFP#3 from IUI #2: 6/30/20 EDD 3/9/21

    Babysizer Cravings Pregnancy  Baby Tracker


  • How far along are you? 25 + 1

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave? 
    I change my mind daily.  Sometimes i think early June and other I think end of June.  I'm not planning to go back and I have a year (Canada) so I might take some time to spend with DS and help BFF with her final wedding details.

    Upcoming appointments this week?  have to book my GD screen for late this week or early next.

    Any new symptoms or changes?

    Rants/Raves/Questions?

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.) 
    I have paperwork that needs to be filled out after I start leave but my boss and director both know that I am pregnant.  I have a couple of big projects that will finish up around the end of May and have someone shadowing me on process calls so he understands the way things work.  He will help out while I'm gone but my colleague in the other office will take on most of my responsibilities.  
  • I like the idea of a working moms check-in, but I'm not sure how useful my input will be as a teacher, (@AdaByron your post sounded crazy familier!) since it's such a different scenario than most other fields, but I know we have several teachers on this boards, so here goes...

    How far along are you? 23w

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave?
     The last day of the school year is June 23rd, so that's the beginning of summer break.  I am going back in September, unless I somehow have this baby is over a week late (pleasenopleasenopleaseno), so I don't actually get to take a leave unless I go for the unpaid FMLA time.  If I had the baby during the school year, I could use 6 weeks of sick days to get a "paid maternity leave," but that 6 weeks must be taken immediately following delivery, so I get nuttin'.  DS was born at 38w1d, and it would be pretty nice for that to happen again, so that I could spend more time with this little girl before going back to work.

    She will be going to the same babysitter DS went to (my sister's mother in law) 5 days a week.  DH does not work, but is home on disability.  He has done ok as a part-time SAHD for DS for the past year, but he is terrified to take care of this LO alone.  Truthfully, I'm not too comfortable with it either, so the sitter it is.

    Upcoming appointments this week?  Not until the 28th

    Any new symptoms or changes? Movement has started back up, and now the hunger has kicked in.

    Rants/Raves/Questions?

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)
     Gave the letter to my superintendent, principal, and union president.  They sent me FMLA paperwork (which will likely be moot), and I just have to fill that out.
  • @satsumasandlemons there was a big 'how to' discussion re: breast pumps and insurance on one of the random threads. It then morphed into the designated breast pump thread. I'll try to find it and bump it for you since all the info you need is in there. :)
  • oheliza44oheliza44 member
    edited March 2017
    @satsumasandlemons instead of bumping the Old thread I copy and pasted the info:

    @satsumasandlemons I did a general search and came to different pump manufacturer's websites. For example the Madela website is here: https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/insurance-pump-lookup
    The Madela site redirected me to a list of suppliers once I entered my state and insurance. From there I picked a supplier (Babies R Us, in my case) called the customer service line and there were able to set everything up for me. You have to get a prescription from your doctor and then they bill your insurance directly. I picked a pump model that had some add-on so I'll pay the upgrade charge out of pocket. You can use health savings account on this as well. Hope that helps!

  • How far along are you? 21w3d

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave?
     I really need to work as close to delivery as I can. I work for a very small company, so we do not qualify for FMLA. They voluntarily give us 6 weeks, 3 of which I will have leave saved up for and 3 will be unpaid. The daycare we have lined up only takes babies at 6 weeks, so I have a very tight timeframe to work with. I am a little apprehensive about the whole thing, but I am sure it will work out one way or another.

    Upcoming appointments this week?  Nothing for a couple of weeks. We are still on the once per month schedule.

    Any new symptoms or changes? I feel like I look a lot bigger suddenly. I have started wearing maternity clothes, and I think they make me look bigger than my regular clothes. I am getting a lot more comments, too.

    Rants/Raves/Questions?  I have always thought that I would not be a 'good' work from home type person. I think I would get depressed and isolated and not do well. Lately, I have been fantasizing about it a lot. It's not really feasible for us, but I think I would like to make it happen at some point.

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)
      Everyone at work knows and are excited for me. I get lots of questions and comments all the time, and I have made it clear when I am due. I haven't had a formal conversation with my boss, but I kind of think that won't happen any time soon. I'm very much the low man on the totem pole, so I am sure my responsibilities will be easily absorbed until I get back.
  • @mj8215 how soon to look for a nanny is perhaps area specific but I would agree no farther out than 2 months especially if you aren't using a formal nanny agency.  I looked 4 or 5 weeks out the first time around and that went well. 
  • Dovahkiin_99Dovahkiin_99 member
    edited March 2017
    How far along are you? 24 weeks today!

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave?
    My workplace offers a very generous annual leave, so I will probably be wrapping up work at the beginning of June. I will take my official mat leave about a week before baby is due (EDD July 9). I'm fortunate that I am entitled to a full year of mat leave at a reduced salary (Canada).  

    Upcoming appointments this week? No appointments until end of March

    Any new symptoms or changes? It's hard to get comfortable at night and the round ligament pain is brutal when I move too quickly. 

    Rants/Raves/Questions? I'm mad that the political representatives in the USA don't prioritize labour rights for new parents. It's crazy that you American ladies have to go back to work so soon after birth, and I genuinely hope that changes in the near future for you guys.

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.) 
    We recently had someone come back from extended sick leave, and he will be taking over a lot of the tasks I perform in the office. I've been having discussions with HR, the President and Vice President of my workplace to ensure everything I do is covered. I wear so many hats in my job that I need to make sure that none of them get lost in the shuffle when I leave!

    edit: wordz
  • clioclio member
    How far along are you? 24w4d

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave? I am a professor who is on a 9-month contract, so I am very fortunate in that I do not need to take any leave immediately after baby arrives (I will be working full time through mid-May and part time probably through mid-June).

    Upcoming appointments this week? Nope!

    Any new symptoms or changes? Just enjoying feeling decent for as longs as it lasts!

    Rants/Raves/Questions? Bummed the weekend is over- it flew by, and yet I did absolutely nothing productive.

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? I told my department chair almost immediately about my pregnancy to explore options. DH and I managed to space out our leave during my fall semester so that baby will only be in daycare 2-2.5 days/week through mid-January. I got verbal approval from HR and submitted formal paperwork last week.

  • I am also a teacher, so my response may not be applicable to anyone but other teachers.

    How far along are you? 21+5

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave? 
    This school year ends mid-May and we'll start up again mid-August. I am due July 25th, so will still be on summer break at that time. However, if baby arrives on time I will have to miss at least the first two weeks of school. DD arrived at 36 + 5, so if this one is early too I may not have to miss any school.

    Upcoming appointments this week? None until next week.

    Any new symptoms or changes? None other than movement has suddenly gotten much duller. She must have changed positions.

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)

    I actually already have most of my sub plans done because I had to miss the first week of school last year due to back surgery. My principal still needs to find me a sub though! 

    Pregnancy Ticker
  • MamaRN13MamaRN13 member
    edited March 2017
    How far along are you?  24+2

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave? 
    I am due 7/7 and I'd ideally like to continue working through June. Since I'm on my feet for 12 hours shifts (RN here!), it will all depend on how I am feeling that late in the game. With DS I took a full 4 weeks off prior to my EDD (and delivered a week early) but I honestly felt useless and bored at home just waiting around. Hopefully I can suck it up on my unit until July! 

    Upcoming appointments this week? I have a regular OB appt on Wednesday. Will be scheduling my GTT after that  :s

    Any new symptoms or changes this week?
    I have been having this terrible hot shooting pain on my right thigh, that turns to this numb sensation. The perk with working alongside physicians and surgeons is the free consults I get with them! I asked two of our orthopedic drs about it and they both said I can chalk it up to my pelvis expanding and putting pressure on a nerve that runs right through my groin area. Similar to sciatic flair ups in pregnant women, this will get better once i deliver (I hope!). 

    Rants/Raves/Questions: I'm worried about working full time with 2 LO's. I know I only work three days a week, but they are LONG days. Wish I could go part time but I don't think we can swing it financially. 

    GTKY: Besides letting my director know, nothing! I am lucky that when I go on leave, it's pretty easy for my unit to pick up the slack. They might have to get another nurse cross-trained to fill in on our heavy surgery days, but that's about it. Soon I need to look into my FMLA paperwork and then time ready to go! 

    Edit because TB ate part of my post
  • How far along are you? 24+5

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave? 
    with my last pregnancy, I was able to work from home starting at about 35 weeks. I worked on the Friday of my 39th week and went into labor Sunday night. I'm hoping to do something similar this time. 

    Upcoming appointments this week? Nope. Glucose test on the horizon, though. 

    Any new symptoms or changes? Trouble getting comfortable and sleeping at night. 

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)

    I won't have paperwork to fill out, but my supervisor knows when I'm due. When it gets closer to July I'll figure out what cases of mine will need to be reassigned. The big question is how much leave I'll take, and I haven't figured that out yet. Federal employees don't get actual maternity leave (womp womp), so I'll be using 6 weeks of sick leave, a good chunk of my vacation time, and some unpaid time. I carry the insurance for my family, so I need to figure out at what point in unpaid status I'll have to reimburse for insurance. Sigh. 

  • How far along are you? 23+4

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave?
    I will work up until my due date or until my OB puts me on bedrest (depending on my BP and/or cervix). I have a unique situation in which I am the NP for my OB, so it will be up to him.

    Upcoming appointments this week? 
    I get my BP taken every week. NSTs every 2 weeks. I "see" my OB every two weeks and I see high risk every 3-4 weeks now. So this week is just OB.

    Any new symptoms or changes?
    My BP increased in week 21, nothing crazy, just running 140s/90s, and my normal is about 110/60-70. My DD delivered 3.5 weeks early because I became pre-e. 
    Rants/Raves/Questions?
    Not this week!

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)

    I will be taking about 8 weeks off after baby and then returning part time. I also have taken over the derma fillers portion of my physicians practice (he does both OB, veins and derma fillers), so I may see some patients during my maternity leave if I am up for it. My FMLA paper work is already filled out and pending. I won't have coverage, the other partners in the practice will just cover.
  • Thanks for starting this thread @satsumasandlemons. I posted a few things last night related to ordering a breast pump but didn't get a chance to fully respond to the post.

    How far along are you?
    23+5

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave? 
    Ideally, I'd like to work up until I go into labor. That may change depending on how I feel and my workload.

    Upcoming appointments this week? Nope!

    Any new symptoms or changes? Not really other than the normal pregnancy aches and pains. 

    Rants/Raves/Questions? I am anxiously waiting to hear from our first choice daycare. I was told when we put ourselves on the list that we had a good shot at getting a spot but have not received confirmation that we are "in". We have a spot at another daycare but it is an additional 10 minutes from my office whereas our first choice is down the street.

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)
    I am an attorney so right now I am trying to clear my calendar for the month I'm due-- I've had a reoccurring nightmare that I go into labor in court. (EEK!) Assuming that I'm feeling good and my pregnancy is progressing normally I don't want to have court appearances or deposition after July 4. (I'm due July 12.) I have plenty of stuff I can do around the office and from home so this shouldn't be an issue. 

  • How far along are you?
    22w5d

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave?
    I'm thinking leaving July 1st, so that I have a few weeks off with my DD while she is on summer break....spend time with her AND not have to pay for full time daycare for the whole summer. 

    Upcoming appointments this week?
    Just my chiro - YAY!

    Any new symptoms or changes?
    I find that I am so sore and tired this time around. I feel like I wasn't this bad until 35+ weeks with my DD. Plus sleep is non-existant already. 

    Rants/Raves/Questions?
    People at my DD's party yesterday talking about that I "popped". Um, most haven't seen me in weeks....did y'all expect me to still look 10w pregnant?

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)
    I've been working my butt off to make sure my ISO team is ready for the transition while I'm gone for the year. I was originally hired to help them transition to the new ISO 9001:2015 standard by April 2018, but I won't be around for the external audit. They aren't replacing me for the year, so I am trying to make sure that all the procedures and processes are in place before I leave so that the year I am gone is just maintaining and passing the external audit. 
    BabyFruit Ticker

    Married 8 years - Aug 23/08
    DD - 6 years old, March 17/11
    #2 due July 19th! (It's a boy!)
  • How far along are you? 
    21+2 

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave?
     
    I plan to work until going into labor unless told otherwise by my doctor

    Upcoming appointments this week? 
    No appointments for a few weeks

    Any new symptoms or changes? 
    No new symptoms just getting slightly more uncomfortable

    Rants/Raves/Questions? 
    Nope

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)

    Nothing yet except tell my boss the I am pregnant. I am also in a transition between two positions for which I am currently doing both jobs. Next week I will begin to train the new hire who will back-fill my old job. Not sure how they plan to back-fill my new position yet. 
  • TRobinetteterTRobinetteter member
    edited March 2017
    How far along are you?  23w 4d

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave?  When he decides to come.  I need all of my hours at work right now.

    Upcoming appointments this week?  None until next month. 

    Any new symptoms or changes?  Nothing new, other than an awful chicken aversion.  Yuck.

    Rants/Raves/Questions?  I'm upset because I will be 40 hrs short of eligibility for FMLA.  So I'm currently trying to figure out how to pick up some extra hours so I can have 12 full weeks instead of only 6-8.
    <a href="http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=HTML&utm_campaign=tickers" title="Getting Pregnant"><img src="http://global.thebump.com/tickers/tt1d4e8a" alt=" BabyFruit Ticker" border="0"  /></a>


  • How far along are you?
    25 weeks, 3 days

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave?
    Day before c section
    Upcoming appointments this week?
    Wednesday
    Any new symptoms or changes?
    I just started to have issues with swelling.  I'm goon going to try to walk a lot more and elevate my feet more.
    Rants/Raves/Questions?
    I'm debating just taking the whole time I can be on leave.  My work gives 4 months fully paid.  At first, I thought it sent the wrong message to take all four, but now that I'm visibly pregnant, I've gotten enough comments that I don't think three or four months sounds different to those that will get upset if I take 4.  Anyone else work in this kind of environment?
    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)
    I've talked to my boss and Hr.  I have a stack of paperwork that is due in two weeks.  I'm also starting a transition memo now, so that I can keep track of what I would like to accomplish before I go (and so it doesn't take a lot of work to put together if something happens and the baby is early).
  • Sorry I am a little late to the party...

    How far along are you? 23 weeks

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave?
    I was planning on a week before my EDD (July 17th) but since the baby measured 1 week ahead at my last 2 appointments I may do 2 weeks before my EDD

    Upcoming appointments this week? Nope

    Any new symptoms or changes? Nope

    Rants/Raves/Questions? Nope

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)
    There's not much in terms of my work responsibilities that I have to do but I did get the paperwork from HR that I need my doctor to fill out. I also started cleaning and organizing our apartment now so I am not trying to do my big yearly cleaning (going through everything) while on leave / just after having a baby.
    Me:28 | DH: 28
    Married: 07-2014
    TTC #1: Since November 2015
    Restarted TTC "count" Oct. 2016
         due to previous issues.
    ***TW***
    BFP: 11/4/2016
    *TW*
     BabyFruit Ticker


  • TwinkiedollTwinkiedoll member
    edited March 2017
    I love this idea!

    How far along are you?
    22 weeks 1 day

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave?
    I plan on working to the very end or until my doctor says otherwise.  I may switch to working remotely close to my due date.

    Upcoming appointments this week?
    Physical therapy this week.  FINALLY.

    Any new symptoms or changes?
    Back pain flaring up again.  I was good for a while with the pregnancy pillow, but last night was awful.

    Rants/Raves/Questions?
    I had my first unsolicited belly touch yesterday.  It was from someone I know so it wasn't so bad.  But I still don't care for it and I definitely think it's super weird that people just want to rub you like a good luck charm.  It happened so fast that I couldn't block it in time. 

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)

    I don't have to fill out any paperwork or anything.  I just told people my due date and that I plan on being out for three months.  My cases are so erratic that it's hard to plan for coverage.  The main person who would manage my coverage just got some bad news about her mother's health so she may be out at the same time as me.  Everything is sort of in flux.

    My office always looks like a hurricane hit it so I definitely need to clean my desk before I go....

    edited: because I can't type to save my life
  • Thanks for starting this, @satsumasandlemons

    How far along are you?
    22w1d
    When do you plan on going on maternity leave?
    Ideally, when I go into labor. I don't want to take time before the baby is here.
    Upcoming appointments this week?
    Nope
    Any new symptoms or changes?
    Nothing new, just more of the same :)
    Rants/Raves/Questions?

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)
    I think I've mentioned this before, but when I come back from leave it will be in a new job (this was a planned transition and was to start Sept. 1, 2017 but will now start in mid-October). I work closely with the person who will most likely take on many of my projects that won't transition and I'll start getting her up to speed as we get closer. There are also projects I'll take with me in my new role, and that will take a little more finessing and coordination.

    I've filed my FMLA paperwork, with my tentative leave date as my due date.

    My husband wants me to ask my future boss (who was my old boss, it is a really long story) if I can work from home one day a week, but I'm nervous and I'm not sure if she'll say yes.
  • I love this idea! 

    How far along are you? 24+5

    When do you plan on going on maternity leave?
    I told my boss my last day in the office would be June 30th. I'm due the 5th and I believe we have the 3rd and 4th off as paid holidays. Hopefully baby girl isn't too much later than 7/5 so I don't waste precious leave. 

    Upcoming appointments this week?
    Nope. I had my 1 hour GD test on Wednesday and they said I'd find out today. I'm hoping I don't need to come back for the 3 hour. The next appointment I have is with the specialists to measure my fibroids. I have a few but there's really only one that concerns them. Fingers crossed it hasn't gotten too much bigger since the last measurement. 

    Any new symptoms or changes? Still having trouble with food sticking around in my throat. 

    Rants/Raves/Questions? I drooled in front of the president of my company the other day. It was sooo embarrassing. I was sitting across from her during the cocktail mixer at an awards event and felt dribbling down my chin while I was schmoozing. Where is all this excess saliva coming from?!!

    GTKY: What steps have you taken at work to prep for maternity leave? (Interested in everything from HR paperwork, finding/designating maternity cover, or just like, cleaning your desk or files.)
    Nothing formal, but I keep trying to remind my boss that they need to start finding my temp. I work on several different clients across the agency and each one requires completely different strategies. I want to have at least 3 weeks to train the temp and make sure he/she can keep up with the workload. Unfortunately, my agency is notorious for not hiring people until the very last minute. 
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