When Did You Stop Working

[Anonymous]

My daughter was born on a Monday, and I worked through the Friday before she was born. I think when to stop working depends largely on two things: how you are feeling and what your leave situation is like. I would have loved to take some extra time before she was born or even just cut my schedule back, but I felt like taking any time before I gave birth meant I was "wasting" the 12 weeks of maternity leave I had. If you have more time to work with, I'd say give yourself a break so you can rest and spend some extra time with your older child before your new baby arrives.

[Anonymous]

I worked up until the day before DS was born. I went into labor in the wee hours of the following morning and had to call in to work. DS came a week early at 39 weeks.

[Anonymous]

I'm 38 weeks and about ready to call it quits. I do have a bit more freedom than many, in that my husband and I run our business from home. I'm just exhausted, constantly...and getting irritated with our clients and their constant demands! And, like a pp who mentioned earlier, I've been too wiped out to do anything around the house on weekends ... I'd like to get things baby-ready before he arrives and maybe take a nap or two!

[Anonymous]

Someone just asked this question to me in front of my partner and he said that I would be at work until I am 5 centimeters dilated. I thought that was pretty funny.

But I did work right up to the birth the first time around. Now for #2, I'm a bit more interested in having a week off before the baby comes. Not sure if it will work out or not - as I'm concerned about burning up the leave.

One thing that is possibly changing my options here is what I recently learned on this forum about DCFMLA. I think I'm subject to its protections, and it is a bit more generous than federal FMLA. I would be entitled to take off 16 weeks without jeopardizing my job. That is unpaid time, but worth it to me to have the time with the new babe. If anyone is interested in reading the thread about DCFMLA, its here:
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/20899.page#126599

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks for the input everyone!! Went to doctor today having BH Contractions which she contributes to dehydration and walking. She gave me a test today that measures the possibility of having the baby early. I can't go back to work until after the test results. So I am on modified bedrest until Monday returning to work on Tuesday. She wants to see if the rest helps with the BH contractions, dehydration, and lack of baby movement I feel at times.

Regarding leave . . . . I'm in the sick leave bank which renews every 30 days (or 6 business weeks) and only covers maternity leave if I am sick. It does not cover the actual birth of the baby. Also, to use the sick leave bank I have to dispose of all my leave and then the sick leave bank kicks in covering my pay and insurance. With FMLA, once I use my leave my pay and benefits would stop which is not an option!! So it's almost as if I would have to leave work a bit early to use the sick leave bank to ensure pay and benefits. I was placed on Bedrest with DC1 about 4 weeks prior to his due date for similiar symptoms. I'm 32 weeks on Saturday and I just feel that it's a bit early to take leave. Hopeful I can make it to 35 or 36 weeks.

I completely understand the exhausation and difficulty doing anything in the evening!!!! It's tough but the reward is priceless.

Thanks Again Everyone!! Be Blessed and Good Luck!!

[Anonymous]

Worked 80 hours and at night until my water broke

[Anonymous]

I ended up taking off two and half weeks prior to my DD's due date. I remember being exhausted and sleeping a lot, hanging out with my two dogs whom I've had since they were 10 ten weeks and they were eight when baby was born; and I read a lot.

I have videos of me lounging in my arm chair with the baby blurbing, it was great and so relaxing. My boss didn't agree with me going out early so he screwed me on the paperwork and I had to take it LWOP but I was able to cover the two weeks with savings.

Baby was born five days early so I was unprepared for that but totally do not regret taking time off prior. If we have another (I am 41) I will probably try to work the same deal.

I think too it depends on your personality and work situation. I needed the time off to prepare some people don't. And like I said, if we have another I will plan to take time off again to prepare. JMHO.