Ok this might sound crazy to some people - but i'm really getting a bit worried about maternity leave. I plan to take between 6-9 months off, and i just don't know if i'll be able to handle it! I know i'll be super busy with the baby, but the idea of being at home all day, seeing no one but baby during day and just OH at night most nights... I'm a bit worried.

Don't get me wrong i love my OH to bits, but i really get on well with girls i work with, and i'm a bit worried that i'll go a bit loopy without that gossip and chat at work every day.

If i have a day at the weekend where i don't leave house all day (say if i'm doing loads of housework) i get all antsy, i'm just not good at staying in! There is a good children's centre near us, so i'll prob go to mum + baby groups a few times a week, but still a bit worried. Money will be tight also, so its not like i can go out loads!

Really frustrating too becuase my best friend is pregnant also - only a month ahead of me! But because she's self employed she won't get any leave at all. I just keep thinking how lovely it would be if we were both off... Sorry i know this sounds a bit self indulgent. Its also a bit worrying because there's a history of mental health probs - and ante natal depression - in my family, and i'm terrified i'll have a break down or something ridiculous i know.

Is this worrying anyone else? How are you planning on coping with it? Thanks

I'm quite lucky in my job. I'm taking six weeks maternity, then five weeks annual leave... and then working from home for six months, but will be calling into the office a few times a week.

I already have my laptop and my work phone will be diverted to my blackberry - hopefully I can take calls in the day and do the work of an evening when he is home and looking after baby xxx

hi hun, im a SAHM with my 1 year old but i was exactly the same i worked for the RFU & didnt want to not get my rugby fix every day & i am a v social person & my collegues were like my friends. I decided not to return because i want to enjoy the special time with my son & im now pregnant again i guess im lucky but i miss working so much. We have decided i will go back when bean is 3 but i am looking in to starting my own buisness. I would advise keeping as busy as possible & get involved with lots of groups, baby massage etc even when LO is young as i love the chats i have with other mums & a gossip. You will enjoy being at home when you have your LO xx

i also suffer with anxiety issues & im fine so dont worry about PND

I am self-employed, but I am still taking 6-9 months off as I have organised it all to be handled while I will be away. As I am at home most days anyway now, I am not too bothered about being at home with baby. But, some great advice I have been given is to make sure you leave the house at least once a day. It will be summer when our Pip is here, so I am going to take that advice and make sure I get out of the house, walking with Pip in the pram and hopefully taking in some sunshine. You don't have to spend money to go out x

I'm sure that the time you take off will zoom by and I'd definitely say get out of the house as often as you can. My friend is getting involved with some charity fundraising to help keep her mind on something others than babies and children. I'm sure you could meet some other ladies at baby groups if it's more the social side of work you'll miss.

I'm the opposite... I can't wait for maternity leave.

I am sure that the time will fly by for you as my friend couldn't believe that she's going back to work already. Her time was taken up by meeting up with people and going to classes etc with her baby. I think you'll be amazed at how many people you will meet when your little oen comes along xxx