Maternity Leave - when did you start yours?

[Counting Days]

i keep working until I felt like I could not did not want to anymore as I was temping at the time their was no notice period required

I worked up until 2 weeks before due date as I was feeling fine

[ezymay]

Nae I finished up at 36 weeks and ended up with 3 weeks off. But what the others have said is right do what feels right for YOU!

[AliBaby]

I had school holidays for 6 weeks when I reached 31 weeks and then I went back to work for 3 days at 37weeks and it was too hot so I took sick leave for 1 week and then maternity leave at 38weeks. Then DD was born at 42weeks so I already had used up 4 weeks mat leave before she was born

Sorry that was a bit long!

[~Hestia~]

I am starting my leave in a couple of weeks when I'll be 30 weeks. People told me that this was too early, they managed to work longer etc, but it's a personal choice.
I actually wish I'd started leave earlier than 30 weeks as my job is very physical & I underestimated how tired & uncomfortable I would be at this stage. But I only have 7 more shifts so there is light at the end of the tunnel!!
Do what you are comfortable with. If you're not willing to drive 2 hours from your hospital then don't - yours & bub's health is more important.

[luna moth]

If you can leave at 30 weeks, then go for it! It is absolutely a personal choice.
DH is happy for me to go at 28 weeks, which we discussed before TTC, but now that I'm at a desk job I could probably stretch it out. I'll be 36 weeks at the start of our Christmas break, so that's when work will want me to go. I get the feeling I'll want to go a bit earlier, but we'll just see what happens.
My predecessor worked up til 37 weeks, and did a really bad job of the last 4 or so, and was stressed out of her pants. I don't want that to be me.

[Evie76]

I'm going this time at 34 weeks.

With Daniel I left at 28 weeks. I wish I hadn't. It was too early and I spent two months just eating and generally missing out on the social aspect of work.

This time I have three weeks of leave - then I take my mat leave at half pay. This will get me to Feb' paid. Then I can apply for any leave I've accumulated during that mat leave (you still accumulate leave). Then I plan on taking my pro rata at half pay. That will get me to June with money.

Confused?? So am I!!

[blondedoctor]

I am leaving this Friday, at 38 weeks. I wish I could have afforded to leave 4 weeks ago as I have slowly and steadily become more and more uncomfortable. My work doesnt have any paid maternity so it was mainly a financial decision, although I did also think that I would be bored leaving any earlier. Little did I know that by now all I'd want to do is lie on the couch and watch Scrubs re-runs

Do whatever works well for you. Good luck