You get 12 weeks total, 6 of which are paid.

ouch!! I'm taking nine months!

Do you not have the option to take longer?

i plan on taking 9months paid and then maybe give up workand workevenings xxx

Awww...I can't blame you being on the isle of wight - you must feel quite cut off sometimes. Still it is lovely over there in the summer and if today is anything to go by - summer is here!

I live just over the water - in fact the ferry terminal is like my backyard. I havent been working since September and I am going mad. I took a month off of work to go away to the states and get pregnant whilst i was there. Unfortunately I was in hospital as soon as I got back and had to quit work. Finding a job whilst pregnant is impossible - so I have been bored ever since! I go to aqua natal which is great, go for lots of walks etc. But i know how you feel. I live on my own and apart from my mum and dad - there is no one to go see and kill a few hours! I am gonna look for a hobby i think - cus my current one (shopping for baby clothes) is killing me!