How much maternity leave did you take? When did you start your maternity leave?

Tanya: How much maternity leave did you take? When did you start your maternity leave?
I have been advised by Dr to start maternity leave asap which is at 29 weeks in the UK. How long did you take to be with your baby? Am worried that if I start maternity leave too soon I won’t have as long off once the baby is born, however I want to follow what I have been advised by my doctor.

Answers and Views:

Answer by ms holli
I left at 36 weeks, I go back when my son is 11 mths. I am in Canada so we get 52 weeks.

Answer by reminisence80
Im not in the UK, but I took 1yr and my husband too 4 months (3 months paternity leave, 1 month vacation time), Mine kinda just happened that way because our daughter was born premature. We had to spend a lot of time in the hospital after that.

I would take off the time you feel you need. If your feeling fine for now then I wouldnt worry to much, just kind of take it a bit easier. If you feel too tired and need a bit of downtime before baby comes (I definately suggest it) Then start a bit before baby comes.

Answer by claredarren116
I left at 29 weeks as I had terrible back ache and was forced to sit in terribly uncomfortable chairs which the employers wouldn’t do anything about. I went back to work when my baby was 10 months as we couldn’t afford for me to stay off work any longer. I’d say stay off as long as you can then you get more time with your baby.