When should I talk to my boss about maternity leave/possible leave of absence?

I am planning on trying to take a 6 month leave of absence from my job. I have heard of them letting other people do it, I just think there are certain factors that play into it such as staffing and whatnot. So they may not approve it. Anyway...DH and I pretty much decided that we can afford to do this...now is it too soon to mention it to my boss? I am 23.5 weeks. I am also starting to look into daycares and really need to have some sort of timeline of when I would be enrolling my child. What do you think? BTW...I also havent met with HR or discussed maternity leave. When should I do this?? (I am thinking ASAP)

Re: When should I talk to my boss about maternity leave/possible leave of absence?

If you'd like to take the extended leave, I'd speak to them asap. That way it gives them enough time to make sure they have the staff to replace you for that amount of time. I'm only taking 3 months (12 weeks) off, and they are having me start training the person who will be filling in for me THREE months early! I am the only person in my department so they really want to make sure they have someone who knows what I do and can do it.

Good luck!

Re: When should I talk to my boss about maternity leave/possible leave of absence?

I think you should talk to them about it ASAP.

Re: When should I talk to my boss about maternity leave/possible leave of absence?

I wouild speak to them ASAP. I cannot take extended leave but our regular 10 weeks and we began discussing it as soon as I annoiunced it at work.

Re: When should I talk to my boss about maternity leave/possible leave of absence?

since it's extended, i would talk to them asap since you need to give them time to make any adjustments needed