Louisa K

I was due to start my maternity leave on 21st April, but I changed it to the 1st April coz Im feeling really tired now and struggling a bit and with my iron being so low I think my body is telling me to slow down now.

I just can't help thinking Im wasting time I could have had with my baby

Only 11 more working days for me /

Linzi

I probably could have arranged it to start earlier but I thought Id last. Im getting uncomfortable sitting at my desk even now and Ive still got 8 and a bit weeks for him to get even bigger and more uncomfortable! lol

xxx

Holldoll

I can't believe how much maternity you ladies in the UK get!! Is it all paid? Here in the U.S. you only get 12 weeks of disability which is crap pay. I can't take maternity leave because I'm self employed, so I just have to not work and not get paid!

amy_tea

Im leaving 9th may... 5 weeks before i'm due :-D

supernurse

Well, in general you are officially entitled to 39 weeks maternity pay and 13 weeks unpaid leave. Depends on how long you've worked with the company for. Usually for the first month or two your employer pays you full pay or there abouts then the rest at government basic of £112.75 but some employers give you extra also during the 33 weeks.

I work for the NHS so get 2 months full pay, then 33 weeks half pay plus the £112.75 a month. Not bad.

I can't believe you guys over there get so little. xx

Holldoll

Disability here in CA comes out at the VERY most $450 a week! It's HORRIBLE! If your employer is nice, you can take your vacation days, which most people only get 2 weeks a year.

seattlemama

Technically today is my first day of maternity leave and Im 33wks. But I was planning on working until my 35th week but my doc pulled me early... and then Im not going back

JennyG

I finish on the 15th April, (my due date is 13th may)
I have 3 1/2 weeks full time and then 2 wks of 2 days.
I'm off for just over 12 months, with only 4 wks unpaid. I'm lucky that i work for The University of Sheffield where they can afford to give generous mat pay of 12 wks full pay 12 wks half pay then 21 wks SMP the rest is annual leave and unpaid leave

My cover doesn't start untill the 7th and thats when i start doing two days a wk. oh joy i have 4 days to train someone to do my job that took me 12 months to learn. Should be in fun in our office once i leave ha ha. My hubby keeps telling me its not my problem but i can't help feel sorry for them.

i can't wait now. it's getting to be a struggle the bigger im getting. my feet and back by 5pm kill me.

Louisa K

I get 30 weeks on full pay. Then I have the option of a further 26 weeks unpaid, but I doubt I'll be able to do that

Margerle

Work to the day I give birth. Off maybe a week or two. But baby can come to work with me and I work a block from home.