Maternity leave?

[AnxiousGurl]

Just wondering when everyone is taking maternity leave? I dont know when I should take mine just because my boss replaced me the next day when I gave her atleast a month's notice that I had to go to school, I really cant afford to lose work right now, but I know I wont be working up to my due date just because my back is killin me right now!!! I also posted in the pregnancy 18-34 forum, but since we're all due in july, I figure I might ask here too.

[Mybabypooh]

I am hoping to work till the last minute, as close to my due date as possible. I am planning to stay off work 3 months with my baby. I hope my plan works.

[Atia_Julii]

I met with my HR at my company because of my unique situation of being pregnant and adopting, all in the same year.  My company's policy is that one can only take 12 weeks of FMLA a year.  And because the birth and adoption will be happening in the same year, but not at the same exact time, I'll need to split my leave into two, six week increments.  (If that makes any sense)  If the adoption was going through next year, I could take 3 months off when I give birth, and then another 3 months off when our adopted baby is home.  But unfortunately, everything seems to be unfolding in the same year.  It's unfortunate, but my HR department says that's the best they can do for me.

[KAnuCmEY]

I plan on working for as long as my body will handle it I am on my feet for up to 11 hours strait but so far no problems so I am thinking I will make it to the end. Its extra money and that never hurts. I don't plan on going on maternity leave, I am lucky that we will be fine with just DH income, so ill be a stay at home for a couple of years.

[30something13]

You said you were adopting also! By law both mom and dad have maternity leave in all US states for an adoptive baby or child up to 6 weeks but as federal law states everyone if they ahve worked for a year has 12 weeks of family leave at a place of emplyment that can not effect their pay or position! You may be able to get more then the 6 weeks after the babies. That would help you if you can afford it I would think! My sister took 6 weeks after adopting abby from Russia and her DH took the first week to bond then picked up the other 5 weeks after her 6 were up and she went back part time. They say that babies who ar adopted don't have attachments (if in an orphange or hospital) and have to learn right attachments to their parents. But I don't think that applies to babies adopted at birth or who have been in a foster home since birth as they would of bonded with the foster mom. Avery was 18 months by the time they got her. When she would cry she would reach for anyone and did not understand to even bond with my sister and brother in law. She is 5 now and of course has but that first little bit was cruicial for her. SO neat you are adopting! Two will be fun for sure!

[34kmaray]

Depends how you feel & the pregnancy is going...With my first I worked until the week before my due date (wanted to be rested to deliver). Of course she decided to come 2 weeks late, so really I had 3 weeks off before baby came - but I never was too uncomfortable towards the end - more towards the middle when all the stretching was new (like right now). With this one I'm a stay-at-home mom so it doesn't apply.

[Atia_Julii]

I plan on working right up until my due date.  (I just hope my water doesn't break at work! That'd be embarrassing!)  My work only gives a bit of time off for maternity, and I want to make sure that that whole time is spent with my newborn, so that's why I'm choosing to work until the last minute.