Maternity Leave

Hi mamas! I have a question for those of you who have dealt with maternity leave before. I am a teacher, and because I am due June 27th, will not be getting the typical eight weeks - I won’t have to use sick days, since we aren’t in school (we get out the 13th, so unless I go early, I should make it through the year). Eight weeks brings me right up to the first week of next school year. I know under FMLA we are entitled to 12 weeks, and I have some colleagues who have been able to get doctors notes that say they are not cleared to return to work, which allows them to use sick time to be paid. I am really hoping to be able to do this, as the thought of leaving a two month old is already breaking my heart. I wish I could afford to take some unpaid time, but unfortunately that is not in the cards for us right now.

My question is for those of you who have gotten a doctor’s note, when did you approach your doctor about it? I am wondering if I should bring it up at my next appointment or wait until after my son is born and ask then. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!