When are you taking maternity leave? (If you have 12 months)

Question

I can’t decide when to start my maternity leave. I’m in Canada so I get 12 months. Everyone tells me to stick it out as long as I can but I’m already in a lot of pain (23 weeks). I was considering starting 8 weeks before due date + my three weeks vacation which would be I’m off as of the end of April.

Answer

12 months is a crazy long time by US standards! The biggest issue is having someone home until your baby is old enough for childcare, which is usually 12+ weeks. Really by that you have nothing to worry about. If I could stay home until my baby is even 6 months I would feel amazing. Unless you have health complications and/or a very demanding job you should be able to make it 30+ weeks. I can see a benefit in resting before the due date, but most people don't need more than a couple weeks for that. Obviously you never know when your baby will come, but if it's your first they're slightly more likely to come late than anything.

Answer

I’m in Ontario too but on contract so I can go back to work on my own terms whenever I want and use unemployment in the meantime. I love my job so I wouldn’t mind going back part time in January. My sister-in-law though got an early and an extended mat leave. She paid into it initially  to stop working early and then 10 months in, her extension was signed off by a dr for half the pay and then a second extension for no pay but her job was still secured for her.

Answer

Do what you feel you should do!! I am a waitress in the US and my particular place of work does not cater or care if you’re pregnant really. I even saw a post of a girl at the same restaurant I work for but in another state have her baby 34 weeks stillborn because she was in pain and they wouldn’t listen to her 😞 so please I am encouraging you do do what you think you should do.. I think I will leave at 31 weeks or 30.

Answer

I’m in Australia and taking 12 months off too. I was going to go to 38 weeks but I’m at 23 weeks now and already pretty uncomfortable so I’ve adjusted it to taking 2 weeks of annual leave from 36 weeks and then starting my maternity leave officially at 38 weeks.

Answer

I’m in the Uk so will be taking 9 months plus annual leave. Hopefully maternity leave will start at 38/40s but I’ll be taking 4 weeks annual leave so will finish work at 34/40. So only 12 weeks to go before I can put my feet up for a bit xx

Answer

I would talk to your doctor first to see what your options are. Save that vacation for after the baby is born! I’m hoping to make it as long as I can, 38 weeks depending on how I’m feeling. Then take some vacation after my mat leave ends so I’ll be off for about 13 months.

Answer

Manitoban here. As a teacher I plan to start my maternity leave at the end of this school year, but I’ll see how I’m feeling in June as I’m already large and uncomfortable.

Answer

I'm due at the end of July and I don't plan on going back after Canada Day. Depending on how things go, I plan on going on short term disability (if your company offers that) and your doctor would have to provide you a note.
Also, if you're in Ontario you are entitled to 18 months. Other provinces have this to but I cant remember off the top of my head. Keep in mind though your EI payments will be much less as it is spread out over 18 months instead of 12 months, but if you have the financial means or your company tops up your mat leave it's something to consider:)

Answer

BC here. Probably taking off at 39 weeks, maybe sooner since I’m due in the middle of the summer and I’ll be cranky 😂 Hubs and I are thinking about taking the extension with paternity leave as well

Answer

I went off because of pain with my first at 28 weeks. This baby I'm going to try and push my way to 34 weeks and then just go on early mat leave

When are you taking maternity leave? (If you have 12 months)

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