Mixed Thoughts About Maternity Leave

[fionas]

OK, I'm 35 weeks pregnant and have a doctors note to say I'm fine to work until 38 weeks. I was intending to finish at the end of next week when I'll be at the end of 36 weeks/start of 37 weeks.

Until recently, I'd been looking forward to being on maternity leave pre-baby because work was frantic and I had heaps of non-work things to sort out (financial settlement with ex, tax, house renovation) plus I'm basically a single parent to a step-child one week out of two (my partner works shifts meaning that I'm the only one home in the evenings one week out of two). Not to mention getting stuff ready for the baby.

But I've made such a mammoth effort to clear my desk that work is now fairly quiet and I've sorted out most of the non-work things. There's still a few reasonably small things to do at home but they're not going to take me 3 weeks!

Unfortunately, now I've got pretty bad back/pelvis pain which I've been advised to rest. Sitting is best which means working is absolutely fine as I have a desk job.

So ... if I stay home, I can't actually do any nesting/tidying/up because I'm not meant to stand, walk or bend. Which leaves sitting on the couch, knitting. The last time I tried this I virtually got RSI in my arm because I knitted for 7 hours straight!

So I'm feeling v nervous about going on maternity leave too early. I'm scared I'll get bored and frustrated just sitting at home.

Any advice would be helpful. Apart from the poorly back/pelvis, I'm feeling pretty darn healthy!

[ticklish]

Fionas, you could always take leave as planned and then spend more time on BellyBelly That is sitting down and more interesting than knitting. You could also read up on baby care while lying on the couch because it is not like you have much time to do that once bubs arrives.
My DS was born at 38 weeks. I am still missing those 2 extra weeks I thought I had to get the house ready. The house is still a mess!!!

[JenP]

Hi Fiona, I worked right up until 1 week before I was due, I am like you, I had a desk job, my boss just let me work 9am - 3pm which was great cause I got a sleep in and got to finish reasonably early. But its completely up to the individual, no-one can tell you when you should give up work (maybe the doctor though!) Why don't you speak to your boss and see whether they may be able to shorten your hours for you so you don't go stir crazy at home? Also, I was so sick of sitting at home after I had Sam that I went back to work 3 days a week when he was 2 &1/2 months old. It wasn't so much that I was bored, it was more trying to survive on 1 wage. But seriously, do what feels right to you.

[Ginger]

i reckon take the time off and relax!! lie on the couch, watch tv, watch movies, catch up on reading, speak on the phone to friends and just spend the time mentally and physically preparing yourself. enjoy it!

[Kristy D]

Can you work 2 or 3 days of the week perhaps?

[MantaRay]

Fiona, I have had experience with both ways. I had 4 weeks off before Jack was born. I was convinced he was going to arrive 2 weeks early (and he didn't) so I got everything done early. It was Feb in Brissy and so stinking hot I couldn't leave the house. Day time TV kept me occupied for all of about 1 day. Then I was bored, bored, bored. I so wished I'd stayed at work for longer. I planned to take just 2 weeks off before Tom was due, but changed it to 4 weeks as I was tired and not well and couldn't face going to work any longer. But Tom had other ideas. I was sick with gastro for my last 2 days of work.Then it was the weekend and I was still sick, on the Monday which was my first day of maternity leave, Tom was born. So I had no time off first and had nothing ready at all (my bag wasn't even packed and I had a 3 hour labour so no time to do it on the way).

Personally, based on what you have said, I think it sounds like you would be better staying at work longer. I think being unable to do things around the house will mean you will get bored easily and it makes those last day of pg drag so much. You feel bigger and even more uncomfortable (well I did). But also, do allow yourself some time for rest. It is much better going into labour refreshed, and you have some busy times ahead of you once bub arrives. I do think at least a week off before hand is a good idea, and try and sleep as much as you can. You will be glad of the rest later and it will also help pass the time.

[Nadine216]

Make chickenpies!!! (sitting down, of course, get an office chair and wheel yourself around in the kitchen) and meals that you can freeze and heat up when you need it!!! Cooking can be such a shlep! Also SLEEP - yeah you hear it like a 1000 times, but really after the baby is born you will give your left hand for two hour of worry-free sleep.

[fionas]

Thank you everyone. In the last day I've become absolutely buggered so I think I'm going to work next week and then finish up. I think my body's trying to tell me something so probably wise to listen to it!

[Jodi]

I agree, it's very wise to listen to your body. Enjoy the time you've got before the baby arrives. And try not to get knit for 7 hours straight this time! lol