Feeling guilty. When did you/do you plan to take maternity leave?

Question

I originally thought “no big deal I’ll work right up to D-DAY!”..... Pfft. I’m struggling. I have a desk job that is not physical but mentally I’m so checked out. Currently 37+4 and I have baby on my mind 24/7. I’m definitely capable of continuing to work. Yes, I’m in pain and super uncomfortable but nothing I can’t push through. But in the back of my mind I want to take leave soon now just so I can just prepare myself mentally. FTM and I know mine and my husbands life will be changing so much so soon. However, I feel guilty taking time too early and not spending it with our little guy when he finally does decide to get here. 
- I’m in New York and will get 6 weeks disability. 
- Then my employer gives 10 weeks partially paid family medical leave. 
So I’ll have 16 weeks all together at home for my maternity leave. 
What would you mamas do if you were me?

Answer

This Saturday will be my last day. I’ll be 38+1. 
I say finish out the week and then take off, you really will want some down time for yourself before baby comes. And it’s good to be prepared. Plus who wants to go into labor AT work? 😂

Answer

I am 37 weeks 4 days. My last day of work is tomorrow (7/31). I took off just a few days before my induction date of 8/5. Thought I could use this time to get my house ready and rest. Don’t feel guilty taking time!

Answer

I answered the poll wrong. I thought you were asking when we’d be taking maternity leave. (So I answered: when I deliver) 
In your situation, I’d try to take leave around 38-39 weeks. I don’t know how your workplace operates, but it might be easier to give your employer some advance notice? 
I’m a STM, and I really wish I had/could’ve taken off time before my son was born. I wish I could this time. Just not in our financial cards. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Answer

I started it this week at 38 weeks. I drive an hour from my home so my doc told me not to travel

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38 weeks is my last day!

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Oops. I read this wrong. I worked until my water broke with my first and now I’m a SAHM

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I stopped at 34 weeks for vacation and official started maternity at 36 weeks. I was mentally spent and physically drained and working too hard. I felt so much better after just 1 week off

Answer

I am so with you! I had thought of same, no big deal, will work up until the day like at least three of my colleagues but I am 36 weeks 5 days I am already feeling checked out and tired and thinking of baby stuff I plan to take leave one week before my due date but work from home on and off until then

Answer

I’m working up till when I deliver, I’ve been waitressing 3/4 nights a week all pregnancy. I actually left a desk job in health care because I was more tired sitting on my butt and staring at a computer all day everyday. Also dealing with way more stress then needed. I don’t think people truly understand how draining a desk job can be unless they’ve worked both physical and mental jobs.

Answer

I’m taking leave from tomorrow (due August 12) but I work with clients as a consultant. My leave is 100% unpaid, and my company actually terms me and rehires me... yes that’s legal for small companies. I’ll be off from 38+3 until I go back roughly around Dec 1. 
No one gives out any medals for working until D-Day. Do it if you feel good or you need to close stuff out. For me, I was able to start transferring work and making arrangements from July 1 because the 31 was always my planned leave date.