Ok this may seem like a strange question. But how early is too early to go on maternity leave? I am a little fed up with my job atm, and am tempted to quit outright, but would rather keep my options open. I intend on taking the full 12 months maternity leave and then make up my mind later about returning. I am thinking of putting in for leave in may (three months before EDD) - but am so tempted to take it even earilier. I am wondering are there any legal issues as to how early you can take maternity leave?
I am not sure about how early is too early (could you check with HR?) but if you are only going to have 12 months off the earlier you leave then the younger your bub will be when you go back. For instance bub will be 9 months if you leave at 6 months pregnant.
I left with 1 month to go and am now going back and DS is 11 months and it is such a fine line.
Thanks for replying. It doesn't bother me about how old bubs is after, because the job is quite flexible and I only work when my DH isn't, which gives him time to spend with the kids. Last time I only stopped working 5 weeks prior to EDD and only had 4 months off overall, which I really regretted. I thought this way if i take the full 12 months I can always go back earlier if I want to (if I go back at all).
Check with your HR policies. When I did it I used up my annual leave first so while I left at 22wks I didn't start my maternity leave until I was 34wks. But I'd planned for that and had being saving my annual leave for a couple of years. For me it was the best thing I did. My morning sickness almost disappeared overnight and I felt sooo much better.
I too would like to leave around 30 weeks. This is No3, so I am older, wiser, and feeling more tired too!
My understanding of using your annual leave is that your employer only has to give you a total of 12 months off. You can try to negotiate more time though. There may be variations across states.
I would like to enjoy my two school aged children before our new family member arrives, and I would like to look after myself.
I too have a very flexible workplace, and my job can be done easily from home for the most part. Not sure when I want to go back, but I think I will be taking the whole 12 months!
Talk to your employer, and negotiate your terms.
Good luck and enjoy those last three months before your life is transformed! I will be too!
How early is too early to go on maternity leave?
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