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Time before the leave was great, and as you said baby could always come early. I think two weeks is a good amount and would at least plan for one week.
Rising Star
I took 4 weeks before my first and two weeks before my second…. TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF. Everyone told me oh you’re going to regret it, oh you’re going to be so bored, oh what about the precious time with your baby? I knew what I needed and wanted for myself and I did it And would do it all over again. Don’t let anyone tell you …. You know what would be good for you. I’m obviously still better about everyone trying to make me feel guilty about doing something for myself before I could never SOLEY focus on myself again. And also, you being more rested and ready to give birth and be at home with a newborn is good for the baby too.
If this is your first baby, this will be the last time that you get to take 2+ weeks for yourself….
I was at Deloitte for both of mine and took 6 full months off for each, because you can use PTO as well.
I also recommend getting childcare set up and started prior to returning to work for a few weeks so you settle into that routine and get some extra rest / you time.
Rising Star
Wonderful! I am so excited for you. Enjoy your time :)
We receive 4 weeks off before. I recommend taking whatever you get. Your life will forever be changed once baby comes. Take this time to unwind, you may get the “nesting” urges, sleep, etc.
Conversation Starter
I got more done in those 4 weeks than I got done in the 5 years prior.
Conversation Starter
I can take short term disability before! All of these suggestions are great. I think the time off before makes a lot of sense ❤️🙏🏻
Rising Star
I feel you! 8 months PP from second kid and the fog is still here….
Check with your HR or Benefits on the specific leave schedule - for some plans or states the 2 weeks before due date doesn’t count against your parental leave after delivery.
Regardless, if you’re feeling this way, just take the leave and take care of yourself. You don’t know how you’ll feel after your leave and may be ok with coming back sooner or you can always extend by taking PTO for additional days at the end.
Today is day 1 of my 2 weeks off pre-due date. I’m worried I’ll start to get bored… but today I slept in, took a nap, and did a few small chores so so far so good. Tomorrow I’m planning on doing some freezer meal prep for postpartum, and taking long walks with my dog all week. Also hoping all the relaxing encourages baby to make an arrival closer to 39 weeks! 😊
I was also originally not sure I would want the time off early but I was SO over work these last couple weeks that I’m glad I don’t have to fake it anymore!
I took off 1 week before due date. Baby arrived 1 day early. Def recommend take off and enjoy "me" time before the baby comes.
Pro
Take the time off, enjoy me time or special one-one time with SO. A baby changes everything, so prepare for that. My first came at 35 weeks, so I never got the time off (was working on Fri, had her Mon), and the transition was so challenging for me mentally. I feel like some of that had to do with not having the opportunity to “ease” into things
Agree with checking your HR benefits and also consider your state laws. I’m based in California and was able to take 4 weeks before due date (combination of SDI + employer benefits). It was very helpful, I wasn’t sleeping well and getting really tired towards the end. Definitely worth have some alone time to care for yourself.
Time off the baby was the best! Do it
Take the time off!! Some states like CA provide 4 weeks before delivery that doesn’t count against post-delivery time off. Also explore short term disability.
I had my first in May and so thankful I took time off before delivery. Baby was 3 weeks early, and on the fussier end. Despite full time support from my mom and husband, I was still a zombie till 3 months pp.
You don’t know if the baby will be early and what their temperament will be. Take the me time and indulge yourself ❤️
Rising Star
With my first two I worked up until delivery. With my third, due next month, I plan to take two weeks of vacation leading up to my due date (and I do have two weeks of use it or lose it vacation left that won’t rollover into next year)
For my first I worked right up until the due date and went into labour exhausted. I'm sure it contributed to the protracted labour and definitely contributed to starting motherhood completely drained. For my second I'm taking a couple of weeks which feels right. Labour is exhausting and worth going into it really well rested
With my first I worked up until I delivered / on my second I signed off exactly 2 weeks before and totally appreciate the time!
Rising Star
D4: the pto starts the day you give birth actually. So you give birth on Monday and are no longer working…. That week is pto and the next week starts your STD. No avoiding it :)
Having been though it …and had an early baby so I didn’t get the leave…take the time. You won’t get a week of alone time again for 18 years….it’s minimal in the framework of a career. And if think getting any judging st work just whisper that doctor suggested it….enjoy!!
Pro
I took a week off before leave and highly recommend it! My two were both born a couple days after their due dates
I originally wanted to work as long as possible. I ended up out 2.5 weeks before due date and my baby arrived a full week early. I needed that time before hand, even though mine was disability due to carpal tunnel. Explore all your options.
It doesn’t work like that. Antepartum leave is use it or lose it. Take the two weeks!
If you are maxed out on vacation, take the time you will earn back
I don’t think we can swap the two weeks pre birth for after birth weeks….I think it’s use it or lose it
My baby was a month early. So I didn’t get to use it.
At PwC I think it’s hard to work in the 2 weeks before the due date (doctors note, etc). Idk I never tried 😊