When to start maternity leave?

[jammiecat]

I was wondering if those who already have children could tell me when you started maternity leave. I was planning to go to 36 weeks but now I've found out I'm having twins this doesn't seem such a good idea. I only work 3 days a week (at home with my 3 year old on the other days) but am just not sure how long I'll last. So it would be good to hear other experiences. Thanks

[littleomar]

I was planning on 32 weeks but only made it to 31 (went to 36 weeks with my first two, both singletons). I could still just about manage the commute physically but my brain was fried - I could barely stay awake let alone actually do any work. I perked up a bit once I was at home and it's only in the last couple of weeks (35 tomorrow) that the exhaustion has really set in.

[neversleepagain]

Congratulations :)

I finished at 30 weeks, babies came at 34 weeks. I could not have done one more day at work, I was exhausted!

[jammiecat]

Thanks both, that's really helpful and as I suspected not as far as I had been thinking!!

[Bodeccia]

I've been wondering this exact same question. Having had a singleton has given me no help in knowing what to expect this time round. I feel like I'm being wildly optimistic if I keep going until 35 weeks, but with dd1 I left at 36 weeks and could easily have kept going. I really want to time it so that I get as much time after they've arrived than before, especially with dd1 around.

Am watching this thread with interest :)

[AryaofhouseSnark]

If worked till 30 weeks, then had them 2 days after I finished work.
I had quite an active Job, and although my employers were really supportive and encouraged me to do as little as possible, I really struggled towards towards the end.
My managers were happy to be flexible, and didn't mind me giving them a short notice period if I felt things were to much.
I found
Things changed so quickly, that it was good to be able to take things as they come.
I would recommend finishing early though, I don't think being at work caused my premature labour I just wish I had a chance to chill out at home and eat cake for a while. Not that you will be able to relax much with a 3 year old.

[andadietcoke]

I finished at 35+3. Office job, 45 min commute by car, sat down all day. I could have gone longer I think, but not much!!

[legallyblond]

I finished at 34+6 and the twins arrived by planned c section at 37+3. Tbh, I could easily have worked another week but wanted to spend some one on one time with DD almost 2
3) and to settle her into pre school which she started 5 days before the c section. I was v lucky though. No signs of the twins' arrival by the c section date and, as I'm tall (5'11" - lots of torso space) and I carried DD to 40+14, I think my body was planning to keep going! This is fairly rare though.... Mine are now 5 weeks old, lovely and adored by DD..... Congratulations! Whatever the preg may throw at you (I found it much harder than my low risk singleton preg and much scarier with some complications), you'll love it once they arrive! They're magic! Ignore all the "you'll have your hands full" nonsense!

[legallyblond]

DD is almost 3, not almost 23!!!!

[SweetieTime]

I am currently 29+3 and plan to work up to 32+3, so only 3 weeks left to go and I am counting down. These are my first DC. I have an office job about 20 min drive from home. I have been able to work from home a few days a week in the last few weeks which has really helped. I find the days when I go into the office I am absolutely shattered when I get home. On the positive I feel really well apart from the tiredness.

[BlueStringPudding]

I have 3 DC and worked til 40 weeks for each, and it was fine. dc1 and dc3 were both 2 weeks late, and DC2 was on time. With dc2, I left work on Friday, had her in the early hours of Sunday, and emailed pics to the office for Monday morning!

With twins though I think you'd sensible to finish sooner rather than later and get as much sleep while you can..

[jammiecat]

Just returning to this thread to say thank you for all your helpful comments. I'm thinking I'll aim for about 30-32 weeks as think you're all right - I'll appreciate the rest especially whilst looking after my 3 year old. And legallyblond thanks for the tip about the hands full comments!

[beachesandbuckets]

I have 2 dcs and when I found out I was pregnant with dc3 I planned to work as late as possible for financial necessity. When I found out that dc3 was twins, I decided to see how I got on.

In the end, i worked right up to 5pm the day before my planned induction at 37+2. I only work 3 days per week and the last month my boss allowed me to work from home provided I went into work for essential meetings. My work is always banging on about modern and flexible working so put them to the test. It was fine and I get much longer maternity leave now, and maximised my income before I went off. I didn't feel like I lost out because I had longer maternity leave before my older babies were born, and actually found it ok just sitting at a desk at home tapping away etc (I am a lawyer). A lot easier than looking after older dcs who were at school and nursery. And still having rest now, feeding babies and watching a rom com and eating biscuits as I type, bliss!! Good luck x