When did you start maternity leave?

[Brooke]

I am a High School Drama teacher and am 32 weeks PG. I am finishing work in 3 weeks time and am quite scared about how I will cope with having nothing to do to occupy my time. I've had high BP since 16 weeks and it is controlled by medication. My Dr says to reduce stress and stay off my feet for long periods of time, but it's the kind of job where it is unavoiodable. With no paid Maternity leave I have no choice but to keep working as long as I can. I really feel we need to lobby Govt more to get paid mat leave for everyone!

[julesy]

I think the type of work you do is highly indicative of when the right time to leave work is. I work as a nurse on a children's ward, and in winter especially, am exposed to all sorts of nasty bugs! Couple that with an existing back problem, shift work and huge work loads, and you have a recipe for early maternity leave entitlement!!!
I am now 25 weeks, and can happily say that I am leaving work in 3 weeks, just shy of 29 weeks. To be honest, it couldn't come sooner! This being my first baby, I figured it would be the only time for the next 20 years or so (we plan on having 2 or 3 kids) when I can truly be alone and have time to myself. You don't technically get 'time off' prior to having any subsequent kids, because just having one is a full time job in itself (unless you can afford child care or are even lucky enough to get a place...)

Food for thought...

julesy