How many weeks before bub is due should I go on Mat Leave?

[fionajones123]

I'm due 10/10 (but have been penciled in for c section first week oct)and am finishing work 4/9. I am taking 4 weeks annual leave, oh I'm moving house beginning sept too!!! Nightmare!!!! I'm dreading it as I can't plan my nursery but at least will have time to sort everything out, that's if we don't have any early arrivals!! I will have accrued 2 weeks sick leave by then too so if I'm really desperate I can finish a little earlier, but really want to keep sick hours for future when I go back to work.

[cakeish]

I'm leaving at 34 but to be honest I could quite happily leave now (at 28) as ive 'switched off' and am not committed to work like I should be.

People warn me about the boredom, but I'm hoping that it will give me time to potter through the jobs I'm listing up for that time.

[thinkingaboutit]

My employer had the 34 week policy as well but I ended up working until 35 weeks and I found I really struggled in that last week at work! I am on mat leave now and loving it, but I guess it comes down to how long you are able to take off.

For me, I am looking forward to 5 weeks of me time, but I also know that I am able to take 12 months of paid leave, so I will have plenty of time with bubs after birth as well so I don't feel like I am wasting my time off...