https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 02 May 2026 16:18:10 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/start-ivf-meds-friday-any-advice#post-2827704 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 13:49:03 +0000 msginkgo 2827704@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: I have alarms set on my phone already. I’ve heard the gonal shots aren’t too bad.<br /> I’m trying not to worry too much. </p> <p>I’m actually more worried about the transfer drugs. The pill made me a crazy person and I’m really afraid of the possible side effects of the estrogen </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/start-ivf-meds-friday-any-advice#post-2827518 Sun, 10 Jun 2018 19:15:15 +0000 Marfi 2827518@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Don't psych yourself out when doing the shots. Just pinch and jab without thinking about it too much. Makes it way easier!</p> <p>For the intramuscular ones it was way easier for me having someone else do the shot (I had DH do mine). For those, if you can get lidocaine cream to put on an hour before the shot it makes it nearly painless! In the absence of the lidocaine (there were a couple of times where I was unable to put the lidocaine on before hand) put an ice pack on for like 30 seconds before the shot to numb the area then heat with a hot pack after! (These are what I used, they can be used as both cold packs and hot packs: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M6CTZG9/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&#038;psc=1)" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M6CTZG9/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&#038;psc=1)</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/start-ivf-meds-friday-any-advice#post-2827515 Sun, 10 Jun 2018 18:57:22 +0000 erinbaderin 2827515@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I found it wasn’t nearly as bad as I was expecting it to be. Put a reminder in your phone just in case, and while the needles in the gonal-f pens really didn’t hurt, I used to hold an ice cube on the sore for a few seconds before anyway, just for peace of mind. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/start-ivf-meds-friday-any-advice#post-2827512 Sun, 10 Jun 2018 18:43:14 +0000 msginkgo 2827512@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm starting IVF meds on Friday - Suprefact nasal spray, then Gonal-F in weeks assuming things are going well.</p> <p>Anyone have any advice or experience to share? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mat-leave-questions-for-canadians#post-2528035 Mon, 18 Apr 2016 16:17:23 +0000 Goldengirl 2528035@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Finally spoke with someone at EI, in case anyone else ever needs this information. She said as long as I've fulfilled 600 insurable hours in the 52-weeks before the claim, I'm good. Doesn't matter when it was. The maternity wage is not based on the previous X amount of weeks. It's an average of your insurable earnings. So wouldn't matter if I'm not making anything in the 6 months before applying. In her words "we can't calculate something based on zero." I thought for sure I wouldn't qualify anymore so I am pleasantly surprised! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mat-leave-questions-for-canadians#post-2523028 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 22:05:48 +0000 MrsB2012 2523028@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You need 600 hours in the last 52 weeks to qualify for EI. However, your maternity wage is based on your last 21 weeks of work.<br /> Trying to call is nearly impossible, you should go into your service Canada centre, and if they can't help you, they can get you on the phone with someone who can. ( And then you can skip the 3 hour wait if you call from home.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mat-leave-questions-for-canadians#post-2522963 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 20:21:13 +0000 Goldengirl 2522963@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@delight: Hey! Yah I had researched that option awhile ago when I thought of going freelance but not enough time. I meant if I take a short-term (say 6 months) contract (where I'm on the payroll, getting deductions for EI and CPP)... vs permanent employment where I'd have the job to return to at the end. Just trying to come up with potential options for getting me out of what is becoming a not-great work situation that feels too high-stress for what I want right now, considering everything going on. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mat-leave-questions-for-canadians#post-2522934 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 19:44:23 +0000 delight 2522934@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldengirl: what do you mean by contract job? I am an independent contractor/ self employed individual. Up until a few years ago (2011 I believe) we could not collect benefits. Now we can, but we have to opt into the service and pay into EI on our taxes. Just want to make sure you don't have to sign up for that or something! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mat-leave-questions-for-canadians#post-2522920 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 19:15:25 +0000 Rockies11 2522920@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldengirl: whether a contact position is insurable depends on the contract. It's 600 hours in 52 weeks of insurable work. Service Canada is a nightmare to get ahold of but if you keep calling eventually you will get through and they are really helpful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mat-leave-questions-for-canadians#post-2522900 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 18:58:14 +0000 YouGotMe 2522900@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldengirl: You should be able to call them, I'm pretty sure the hours for the toll free number are longer than the office. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mat-leave-questions-for-canadians#post-2522884 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 18:42:10 +0000 Goldengirl 2522884@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@YouGotMe: Thanks... unfortunately the hours of service canada are so brutal so I missed the window. Will try to sort it out during the day. This stuff is so confusing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mat-leave-questions-for-canadians#post-2522831 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 17:35:28 +0000 YouGotMe 2522831@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>you should contact service Ontario. </p> <p>You can start your leave up to 17 weeks before the birth of the baby so that is an option if you aren't enjoying your job... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mat-leave-questions-for-canadians#post-2522826 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 17:26:37 +0000 Goldengirl 2522826@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrswin: @QBbride: the website states:You may be eligible to receive Employment Insurance (EI) maternity or parental benefits if:<br /> you are employed in insurable employment.</p> <p>So I think that means you do have to be employed to be eligible for the benefits :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mat-leave-questions-for-canadians#post-2522798 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 16:57:12 +0000 QBbride 2522798@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, as long as you have worked 600 hours in the last year you're eligible for EI. </p> <p>If you're in a contract job, I believe as long as you have the 600 hours, you're good. You just won't be eligible for a top up from your employer. </p> <p>Hope that helps!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mat-leave-questions-for-canadians#post-2522777 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 16:33:11 +0000 mrswin 2522777@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldengirl: I believe you have to have worked the 600 hours over the previous 52 weeks. Let me see if I can find something</p> <p><a href="http://www.esdc.gc.ca/en/reports/ei/maternity_parental.page#h2.1-h3.1" rel="nofollow">http://www.esdc.gc.ca/en/reports/ei/maternity_parental.page#h2.1-h3.1</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mat-leave-questions-for-canadians#post-2522760 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 16:08:20 +0000 Goldengirl 2522760@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hoping someone knows the answers because the Internet isn't being helpful. For any Canadians out there, do you know if:</p> <p>You need to be currently employed to get mat leave even if you did you 600 hours in the past year? For instance if you quit or lost your job and didn't pay into EI for the next several months, would you still qualify?</p> <p>And also, if you are on a contract job (ie not permanent full time) do you still qualify for mat leave?</p> <p>Am having some concerns with my current role and would love to leave but feeling trapped now. Trying to understand what my options are.</p> <p>Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mat-leave-for-canadian-teacher-bee#post-2162620 Thu, 30 Apr 2015 15:24:16 +0000 WinterBee 2162620@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@YouGotMe: @Mrs. Champagne: Thanks for your input, I think I would be able to do 600 before applying again.</p> <p>@Rubies: My board does do top-ups, but as I'm an OT I won't be eligible for the top ups. Thanks for the info about the meetings, I haven't heard of those!</p> <p>My main concern is if I can't find a job this summer I'll be applying for EI, but I don't want to screw myself over for mat leave if I end up needing it early next year. But, if there's no limit to timing (having an open ei claim and mat leave claim within a short amount of time) as long as the 600 hours is met I might be OK.</p> <p>I know I can call, but getting through on the phone is a nightmare, so I figured I would ask here in case any one has just went through it and can offer some insight. Thanks for your help ladies. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mat-leave-for-canadian-teacher-bee#post-2161603 Thu, 30 Apr 2015 06:50:35 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2161603@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi!</p> <p>Not a teacher but also in ontario. When I applied for my maternity leave/EI I was told the amount of weeks they look at varies on the area you live in. </p> <p>And I think as long as you work 600 hours after EI this summer you can qualify again! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mat-leave-for-canadian-teacher-bee#post-2161596 Thu, 30 Apr 2015 06:41:22 +0000 Rubies 2161596@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@WinterBee: Hi - you won't find helpful information about mat leave on your Board's website. What you should do is contact your OSSTF branch office and they will provide you with all the mat leave info you will need. Your OSSTF branch office should offer 1-2 mat leave workshops to walk you through it all (my branch has one in November and again in April...something like that). As for top-up, I think it varies from board to board. Do you mind my asking which board you work for? My board tops-up for the first 8 weeks and then it's just EI for the rest of the mat leave.</p> <p>If you receive EI this summer, I am assuming that you can still apply for mat leave from your board if you are working for them for the x-number of hours.</p> <p>Please let me know if I can help you more...I'm not sure I've answered all your questions! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mat-leave-for-canadian-teacher-bee#post-2161594 Thu, 30 Apr 2015 06:39:45 +0000 YouGotMe 2161594@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not a teacher but I am on Mat. Leave in Ontario. I'm pretty sure it's calculated just like regular EI, based on your top 14 weeks. </p> <p>As for being on EI this summer and then collecting mat leave after that, I'm not sure. But if I was pregnant again right after my mat leave end I would only have to return to my job for 600 hours. It's about 4 months of full time work. </p> <p>You can always call Service Ontario and ask them :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mat-leave-for-canadian-teacher-bee#post-2161389 Wed, 29 Apr 2015 19:51:08 +0000 WinterBee 2161389@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hello Bees, I'm not sure where to put this post, hope it's ok.</p> <p>Hoping to find a fellow teacher on these boards, specifically for Ontario, Canada.<br /> I have been looking up mat leave on line and it's confusing. Hoping to find someone who's gone through it.</p> <p>I know about the 600 hours, but I'm not sure how the payment is calculated from those hours, top 5 weeks? 10 weeks? (I'm on the OT list) I've heard different things. Also, if I were to collect EI this summer would I be able to apply for mat leave before next summer? (assuming we get PG within the next couple months :)) </p> <p>Thanks for your help! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/angel-dear-in-canada#post-1860418 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 12:49:34 +0000 Grace 1860418@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: Err, 'cause Chapters is wonderful and I'm an enabler? ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/angel-dear-in-canada#post-1860370 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 12:23:06 +0000 .twist. 1860370@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Grace: Thank you so much! :D Chapters/Indigo is so dangerous! How could you send me there! lol :P </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/angel-dear-in-canada#post-1860362 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 12:18:25 +0000 Grace 1860362@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Chapters/Indigo carries Angel Dear. You might even find it in store.</p> <p><a href="http://m.indigo.ca/product/gifts/blue-elephant-security-blankie/804160011094?ikwid=angel%20dear&#038;ikwsec=Home" rel="nofollow">http://m.indigo.ca/product/gifts/blue-elephant-security-blankie/804160011094?ikwid=angel%20dear&#038;ikwsec=Home</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/angel-dear-in-canada#post-1860322 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 12:05:59 +0000 .twist. 1860322@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lawbee11: Yea, they don't have the elephant. :bummed: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/angel-dear-in-canada#post-1860299 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 12:01:48 +0000 lawbee11 1860299@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: Have you checked Amazon? That's where I got ours. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/angel-dear-in-canada#post-1860285 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 11:56:52 +0000 .twist. 1860285@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Does anyone know where I can buy the Blue Elephant Angel Dear lovey in Canada? </p> <p>They don't seem to ship to Canada. Unless I'm doing something wrong. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/happy-canadian-thanksgiving#post-1148699 Mon, 14 Oct 2013 10:26:02 +0000 LovelyPlum 1148699@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travelgirl1: don't you worry lady...that is coming VERY soon :) </p> <p>That being said, DH always jokes that we secretly live in Canada because we're so close. So this morning, he woke up and said to me, "it's Thanksgiving. Where's my turkey? Go make me turkey." LOL, he's such a goof. I have to admit, though, it does sound delish :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/happy-canadian-thanksgiving#post-1148687 Mon, 14 Oct 2013 10:19:10 +0000 travelgirl1 1148687@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LovelyPlum: Baby Plum totally wants pumpkin pie for its first Thanksgiving in utero :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/happy-canadian-thanksgiving#post-1148472 Mon, 14 Oct 2013 08:43:12 +0000 Alivoo01 1148472@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yum!!! </p>