For my Canadian mama’s: 12 month or 18 months Mat Leave?

Question

So Im debating between the two. 
I really want to take the 18 month leave as I would feel more comfortable putting my child at daycare at 18 months rather than 12 months. 
I know its a lot less money you get but how bad is it...lol it will also be my first and last baby due to infertility issues so I really want to enjoy it as much as possible! 
My husband can financial care for all 3 of us for a while but of course it would make us tighten the belt a bit more. My job would also be fine without me for that long so thats not an issue. 
What did you guys decide and why if you dont mind answering? I cant find any real information online about the percentages of salary etc. They all seem to say different things.

Answer

I’m from the US & OMG 12 months?!? 18 months?!? Sounds like heaven, happy for you!!

Answer

I had the 12 month option with my son, I thought the 18 month sounded great but it was brand new when I went so I chose 12. 
I actually ended up trying to go back to work, hating it and becoming at SAHM. 
A friend of mine from the company I used to work for is set she will do the 18 month. I know a few ladies who have as long as it was financially viable for their families. They loved the extra time and the transition to daycare was harder for mom easier for the littles in most of the cases. 
If it haven’t come out right before my mat leave, or if I was working again for baby 2 I’d be 100% taking the 18 month leave. 
Good money saving tip is always packing your lunch, cook most meals at home. You will be shocked how much was spend eating out. We made an excel spreadsheet of our expenses to really have a good grasp of what is needed and what can go. 
Take the 18 months if you can and enjoy it!!!

Answer

From the US, but as someone who gets nothing as far as maternity leave... take the 18 months. You’ll never regret that time with your child. 
Use this time now to try to cut down on any unnecessary expenses, pay off any debt that takes up income each month, save up, and adjust your budget in preparation for the income change.

Answer

Seriously, from someone in the US where the most of us get unpaid maternity leave and it’s only granted in most places for 6 weeks or 12 weeks depending on type of delivery, if you can take the full 18 months do it!

For my Canadian mama’s: 12 month or 18 months Mat Leave?

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