Mamas who did not return to work

Did you start your maternity leave early? I'm not planning on going back to work after the baby is born so I decided to start my maternity leave now. Tomorrow is my last day at work and my due date is 8/22, but with my GD, I'm sure he'll be here sooner. I just feel so torn that I made the right decision to go out earlier. Of course we could use the money, but we'll manage without it. I just thought having a few extra weeks to myself would be nice. I can take better care of myself and get ready for the baby's arrival.

Re: Mamas who did not return to work

I was due 8/28, my last day of work was 8/14. I planned to use 15 vacations days, and when DD was born my leave would start. If I went past my due date I had 6 sick days to use before my leave would have to start.

DD was born 8/24, I didn't use all the vacation days or any sick days. My leave lasted into November. I did not return.

I commuted to NYC from Lindenhurst - I just couldn't do it anymore. It was very nice to have a couple weeks to relax, get her room ready and have a little time to myself. I think you are making a good decision.

Mamas who did not return to work

I took off 2 weeks before my due date.

Re: Mamas who did not return to work

I was put on bedrest at 26w so that decision was made for me! My company paid me for mat leave, and all my vacation days bf STD kicked in.

Re: Mamas who did not return to work

I took off 3 weeks before my due date. DD is 2.5 and I haven't gone back yet. I'm a teacher, and I knew I was going to take the rest of the school year off, but didn't know I'd take this much time off. Do what is best for you. I enjoyed having those 3 weeks to get everything in order.

Re: Mamas who did not return to work

I worked on my feet in a nursing home and was getting exhausted. I was also in charge of pushing wheelchairs and I didn't feel comfortable doing it late into my pregnancy. My due date was Jan 17th and my last day was October 29th. I really enjoyed my last two months off before the baby. I also had a PT job from home, so that helped with money. I knew as soon as I got pregnant I wanted to be a SAHM at least for the first year, now I can't imagine going back!

Mamas who did not return to work

My due date was 5/2, my last day of work was 4/7. DS is now 14 months old and I have no immediate plans to return to work. I liked having that month to prepare for the baby, and to have some down time before my life was disassembled. :)

Re: Mamas who did not return to work

I was due 12/3, last day of work was 11/22. The week I had off was glorious, though it felt like I was playing hooky lol.

Re: Mamas who did not return to work

Nope! Worked until my water broke, why take off?! I was so happy to be busy and on schedule! I would never change my choice! I worked on a Friday and took a yoga class and my water broke that night. Back to work as a cop in 11 weeks. My life continues with my peanut

Mamas who did not return to work

PS I had the option to take off before DC but I just didn't need it. Also if I didnt have to go back to work-I would use the time I earned for sure! There is SO many things that need to be done, I just didnt do it! lol

Re: Mamas who did not return to work

I started my leave at 39 weeks. But I also wasn't sure if I was going back or not, so it might have been different if I was absolutely certain I wasn't returning.