http://blog.thebump.com/2013/03/16/bumpie-tip-of-the-week-should-you-take-an-early-maternity-leave/ The latest pregnancy, parenting and fertility news and trends from The Bump, the inside scoop on pregnancy. Wed, 22 May 2013 10:02:55 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ http://blog.thebump.com/2013/03/16/bumpie-tip-of-the-week-should-you-take-an-early-maternity-leave/#comment-34542 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:47:27 +0000 http://blog.thebump.com/?p=13817#comment-34542 To LanieB, I totally agree! When I met with HR to discuss maternity leave, they offered to have my replacement in 2 weeks before my due date and I could take that time off the end of the 12 weeks. Umm, no way! I am going to work right up until I go into labor! I have to go back to work (though I would love nothing more than to be a SAHM) and I figure there is a big difference between leaving a 12 week old at daycare vs an 8 week old. My hubby wasn’t convinced, so I had one of my friends (who just happens to have given birth 12 weeks ago) bring her son over. I explained to my hubby that at this age, the baby would start gaining neck strength, could possibly hold his head up, and would be closer to sleeping on a somewhat regular schedule. He still believes that he can just get another job or two and I can stay home with the baby. That is definitely NOT an option since he works so hard as it is. I don’t hate my job and while it is very emotionally and intellectually draining/stimulating, it is fairly easy on the body (I am a high school nurse BTW). The only thing that would make it better is if there was a daycare on site, or at least close by. My sister joked that I should bring the baby to work, sort of like instant birth control for all those hormone ravaged teens! Anyways, to get back on topic, I agree with most of the comments that I would rather take the full 12 weeks AFTER baby is born, but to each her own. It needs to be what is right for YOU!

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