When shall I start my maternity leave (first baby)

RE: When shall I start my maternity leave (first baby)

les punton — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 21:17:39 GMT

Hi huge congratulations to you! I had twins a year past jan (my 1st) and felt the same as you initially. I worked 3 weeks before my due date but near the end took myself off all clinical work and done admin and reception as I was just too sore. Employers and employees were really supportive especially if I asked for help (as I can be quite stubborn). Most people to begin with thought I wouldnt make it to then but as everyone else said do what suits you.

RE: When shall I start my maternity leave (first baby)

scubamoo — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:32:15 GMT

I worked up to 1 month before my due date, I struggled towards the end to restrain things (just from my enormous belly!!)

I explained to my employer that I would continue to work for as long as possible providing that myself and the baby were well and I informed them in writing.

With my second I was Locum/holiday cover so I worked up to 2 months before my due date just because I was finding it too much working 4 days a week and managing a toddler as well.

Good luck with everything. I'm sure if you need any legal advise the BVNA legal team will help.

RE: When shall I start my maternity leave (first baby)

melanie lavender — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 16:13:08 GMT

you need to keep your boss in the loop and have regular meetings with them to discuss your health and feelings.

as soon as anything changes in regards to your pregnancy you must tell you boss and they can adjust things for you.

good luck.

RE: When shall I start my maternity leave (first baby)

Alison Clare Hickman — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 11:35:44 GMT

Never producing a child myself, (the universe is forever grateful ), I've had the privilege of being supporting 'auntie' to many during the gravid period at work. I've seen many variations on the theme but the recurring one has always been 'do what best suits you and your baby for your health, welfare and happiness'.

I do remember one lovely Head Nurse I worked with, aw absolutely bless her cotton socks, who was so determined to do her bit right to the end. When she was around 8 months pregnant (and huge) I came across her in Prep standing stock-still in the middle of the room holding a sweeping brush and just pushing it slightly out the front of her and back again - it was all she could manage. I ran to get her a chair, escorted her gently to a nearby computer station and said, why don't you type up my notes, you know I hate it (big fib) and I'll do the sweeping, coz I like it better (bigger fib). She looked up at me with a sad little face and said, "I feel so useless, you know". It utterly crushed my heart. She wasn't, she isn't and good on her for trying, but a couple of days later she started her maternity leave as she had realised the job was beyond what her and her 'bump' could manage.

She returned to work after producing the sweetest little girl with the determination to be a veritable force to be reckoned with. And she was, she is - lovely lady. Whizz bang wheeeee!

So, I say in summary. You know this already... Do what you can but don't risk your health or that of your baby and start your mat. leave when it suits YOU.

Ali h

RE: When shall I start my maternity leave (first baby)

PHA86 — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 10:47:50 GMT

I took 7 weeks off prior to my due date, I was getting really fed up at work and found I lost interest in the restricted duties. 7 weeks with no baby was quite a long, boring period of time though! I would say 4 weeks would be much better.

RE: When shall I start my maternity leave (first baby)

Dove — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 01:07:05 GMT

I've had some colleagues who've worked right up to their due date. I worked until 35 weeks with my first because it tied in with finishing at Christmas, I felt well through my pregnancy, but my planned pre baby rest wasn't much because she arrived 3 weeks before her due date.

With my second I finished 34 weeks due to complications, I felt well but he was measuring small throughout pregnancy and he arrived at 35 weeks.

I mainly worked in pharmacy towards the end but be aware to wear gloves if handling medications.

RE: When shall I start my maternity leave (first baby)

Yvette Boffey — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 17:29:32 GMT

My son's 7 now but I was in a similar situation and needed to work right up till as far as I could. I worked 10 days to my due date. He was my first and was measuring small anyway. I didn't have any other issues and didn't suffer so I was very lucky.

I had the full week off and then I actually started labour on my due date with him appearing the following day.

It all depends on how you are and how your pregnancy is. Towards the end I worked a lot in dispensary and doing the ordering and protocols etc rather than standing up in clinics/ops which was why I could work so close to my due date.