I had 9 months off but I saved up all my annual leave so I got another month off with full pay

I’m fortunate to be a SAHM, but my sister-in-law started saving up money before she and my brother started TTC, and she was able to have the entire year off, and last 3 months easily covered by her savings, and my brothers income.

I have 18 weeks that I’m taking at half pay so I’ll be paid for nine months, then I’ll take the next three months with no pay and go back when baby is one. Baby is 4 months now and honestly it’s not that bad on half pay. We didn’t save too much beforehand and my bub has had some very expensive specialist appointments and we’re managing. Our social things have changed (swimming, library, walks, coffee dates) and for Christmas we only did gifts for babies, no other family members.