Am I Being Paranoid & Pathetic??

[Sandie]

I work in a Vet Supplies and it is coming up to the busiest time of the year for us - lambing season. But because of the risk of Toxoplasmosis i shouldn't really be there (my customers come in covered in heavens knows what). I was due to finish work on the 13th of March but that's the peak of our lambing season. I'm thinking about coming off about the 13th of February - i will be 32 weeks then. Coming off early would probably be a good idea for my back too - i'm having to get weekly physio due to the mess of my back, by lunch times i'm in tears, every movement i make is agony - not to mention the fact it keeps me awake most nights & i am exhausted.

My work would ideally like me back to work in September as i have the chance of getting a managers position (someone is due to retire) so i'd have 28 weeks Maternity leave if i come off on the 13th of February. How long do you normally get for maternity leave?

Don't want people thinking i'm a wimp....

 

[Jezzabond]

Hiya

No you are not being paranoid OR pathetic. I would worry about the toxoplasmosis tho and you should get yourself away from that asap.

I am taking a year out. 39 weeks are paid and the rest unpaid but of course you do receive benefits and my husband is working, plus I saved when i found out I was expecting. You can choose how much time you want off, I believe. I chose to have the full year, which i think is the max. If you want to go back to work after 6 weeks you can (!) but you need to carry out the correct procedures such as letting your boss know your expected return date etc. My daughter is now a month old (tomorrow) and time goes so fast. I am glad I chose to have the year. They grow so quickly and the things you may miss out on whilst at work you cannot get back such as first smile etc.

It's up to you and of course you want to get promotion as well but I would say put your child first and other things can wait.

There is a lot of good info about maternity leave and what you are entitled to on the net if you search for it.

 

[meandthebump]

I'm going to take 6 months off work so will have about the same amount of time off as you. 6 months is really the most i can afford to take financially but i have a job that i enjoy so am not dreading the fact that i have to go back.

I don't think anyone can or should think you are being a wimp for taking your maternity leave. You are completely entitled to it and it sounds as if leaving a bit earlier than planned will be a good idea due to the risks in your job.