As I am one of those LTTTC I suppose I should still actively try for a BFP regardless of what is going on in my life?? There is always one thing or other that makes you think...oh I won't have a baby just yet...I'lll wait to buy a house, car, husband!!

Well to cut a long story short I start my new job in Jan 2009. But I won't be entitled to company maternity pay unless I have worked at least 6 months before I conceive. I have worked it out that I will be 3k short. BUt is it really worth delaying conception just for that? And I don't even know, it might even take that long before I conceieve right?

I have my consultant appointment in Jan also and hopefully I will be started on clomid or something. If that doesn't work for 6 cycles then it will be June by then anyway right?! Then I am hoping IUI or something has a very high chance of working....

So I'm really hoping that 2009 will be the year for me...I'm so excited. If I conceive, say in March on clomid then that too will be fine...I will only lose 3k maternity benefits...maybe I could do overtime before I leave??

What would you guys do? Anyone had a similar dilemma? Its important for me about my job and financial stability if we do have children.....as my OH has lost his job and at the moment and with the recession its really hard finding anything. He can't sign on as I am working so he wouldn't qualify...am I right?

My company only pays SMP - stingy f**kers... I am seriously considering getting finding new employment so I can't get any worse than what I'm currently entitled to.

If it were me, a couple of years ago, I'd probably have thought along the same lines as yourself - should I leave it for 6 months and then starting trying again - but now I don't care when i get pregnant as long as it happens...

Good luck with the new job, and good luck with your 2009 BFP

I know...... your right...that's the thing...in my old job I would also only have just got one month pay and the rest SMP so it wouldn't be any different really...it makes sense...I could be worse off and maybe shouldn't wait and just go back to work after 6 months if I need the money.........

I'd consider very carefully any implications of accepting extra maternity pay over and above SMP anyway. Believe me, its not there as a nicety for you....its a guarantee to the company that you'll come back! If you don't you will usually be required to repay every single penny.

I planned to return to work after my daughter was born, and therefore accepted a bonus on maternity pay....sadly after she was born she was diagnosed with cancer and I had to give up work to become her full-time carer. The company requested I pay the bonus back. I didn't know I would need to and of course had used it!

Thankfully, insurance covered it in this instance, but if I had merely changed my mind or another reason other than illness had brought about a change of heart....then I would have needed to cough back up a few thou.....not a pleasant thought.

Personally I'll stand on my own two feet from now on, financially, I wouldn't go through that again!

I have been in the same position as you and carried on TTC as I figured that I would get maternity allowance and working family tax credits which would help. But my DH was and is in a secure job so I didn't have that added concern.

How do you fit the criteria of getting working family tax credits? Cos if I do go on mat leave and I only get SMP ..which is £117 per week I think ...and if my husband still hasn't found a job then I suppose we would qualify right? Is there a waiting list? like 6 months? cos then I will probably be due to go back to work by then!

Well you should definatly qualify as you are the only one bringing in a wage. There will probably be a bit of a wait when you details are assessed but you could do it now and then when you fall pregnant advise them of a change in circumstances. Check out the department of work and pensions website as this will tell you all about it and you can apply online as well as check out their calculator.