Thanks so much everyone for taking the time to read my mammoth post and respond.

The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that I won't want to do it at 6 months.

I will talk to my manager about coming back later, but if she says 'no' I think I will go back to plan A, take my paid leave and then not go back.

I'm going to sit on it for a while, and let DH think about it too - partly it will depend on how much he would like to stay home one day a week. We can both assess it when DS actually arrives.

I can take mat leave on half-pay if I want to, will definitely have a think about that. Might also ask if I could work in the office for one long day, and perhaps do two half-days at home. She can only say 'no'.

Satya - I do hope you can find a way to stay home with DS.

Thanks again everyone.

Devon
xxxx