trying to plan my maternity leave

So I am tempted to take the full 12 weeks off.
Haven't told my boss.
No FMLA, but I will be covered with extended disability insurance, which pays 60% of my salary. My boss has no idea about FMLA or rights or whatever, so I'm not worried about losing my job.
But I had been saying that I would probably only take 8 weeks. Hmmmm.

Anyway- do you htink I should take at least 1 week off before my due date? My commute isn't much.
This is only if I take 12 weeks.

Re: trying to plan my maternity leave

I'm planning on taking 2 weeks before my due date and staying out 14 weeks. I saved 2 weeks vacation + all my sick time. I am hoping my boss will let me use it in addition to the FMLA, we'll see.

I say it's really up to how you are feeling. If you feel like you will go crazy at home and aren't unbelievably uncomfortable then don't take the week.

But if you want a break before the baby comes then take it.

Re: trying to plan my maternity leave

You know what else- I can work form home.

Hmmmm- maybe I will tell him that i will work from home 1 week before.
I'm just nervous about telling him I want 12 weeks.

Re: trying to plan my maternity leave

I took off the week prior to my due date and I would recommend that

it is good to relax and get any last minute things done before the baby arrives

Re: trying to plan my maternity leave

Can you play it by ear & how you're feeling whether you stop working before baby comes or not?

I actually worked 3 days past my due date. I was induced 8 days past my due date (Weds. night), so my last day of work was that Friday before. I had the whole FMLA rules to go by though. I was allowed out 12 weeks, PERIOD, and disability would have covered me going out 2 weeks before due date, but then I'd only have 10 weeks home with the baby (and as it turns out, had I done that, since DD was 8 days late, I would have had less than 9 weeks home with her afterwards).

IMO, if possible, see how you feel, esp. with a good commute...I liked having as long as possible at home with her before I returned to work, and since I still felt good at the end of the pregnancy, I was able to work (not all women are, obviously!)

Re: trying to plan my maternity leave

Re: trying to plan my maternity leave

I would work as close as possible to your Due Date as you can.....if you feel up to it. I'd rather the time after.

What does your dr do reguarding, how long they will let you go before inducing? This way it'll also help you plan the latest you'd be working until.

If you can work at home, go for it!

I know it's not 100% right, but can you decide while you are out that you want to take the full 12 and not 8?

Re: trying to plan my maternity leave

I plan to work from home for the last week before my due date for two reasons: (1) maintain my "relationship" with the partners since its a busy time and (2) so it won't affect the back end of things. I'd rather spend more time with the baby. I would go for 12 weeks.

Re: trying to plan my maternity leave

Do you even want to work from home? Will it make it easier for you?

Since you are asking for opinions i will give you my honest one.

I say......work for as long as you can no matter how anxious and excited you are. If you can work from home the last week then by all means do it. Go for the whole 12 weeks. Your boss will deal with it. He has to. don't let him make you feel guilty. If you can financially do it than NOTHING should stop you. As long as your job is secure dont; worry about letting him down. He'll manage. He's a boss, he has to.

If this was your second baby I woudl definitley say with out hesitation, to take at least a week off before your EDD.

It's a totally different ball game from going to zero to 1, then 1 to 2.

Then again, sinc eyour EDD is 3/25 which falls on a Tuesday, work at the office from or at home from 3/17 thru 3/21.

Then you can take the Mon and Tuesday off. Even if you got later than your EDD, you don't really want to be at work do you? You mind wont; be able to think straight.

Message edited 1/31/2008 11:38:12 AM.

Re: trying to plan my maternity leave

Is it normal to get 12 weeks?? I thought I only got 6 but maybe I get more. I would love it if I get more.