https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 07 May 2026 13:47:35 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1/page/2#post-2296022 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 19:02:03 +0000 Elizabear 2296022@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am a teacher too. Dd was born May 10th -Mother's Day- and exactly 6 weeks (my maternity time is taking 6 weeks sick time). She s 4 months now and I could not have worked with anything younger than a 3 month old. That is when I finally started getting some sleep again, I'm on 12 weeks of fmla now and will return right after thanksgiving, I m so glad I took this time. You love your students. So do I but this time with my daughter is a million times better. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1/page/2#post-2296005 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 18:23:34 +0000 lemondrop 2296005@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I teach at a career college, I took 16 weeks off for my first and returned part-time. For my second I took a month off, and ended up going back to work at 2 1/2 weeks after baby. I'm very glad I took longer for my first since I had no idea what to expect. For my second I was just fine since I was only part-time.</p> <p>I had short term disability and 8 weeks leave with my first and used some vacation time. The second time was all PTO since I didn't qualify for short-term anymore. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1/page/2#post-2295984 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 16:59:29 +0000 Anya 2295984@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took 16 weeks. 6 were partially paid, 10 were unpaid. I would have taken even more unpaid if it had been an option. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1/page/2#post-2295977 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 16:53:16 +0000 stratosphere 2295977@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took 13 weeks (only 8 of it partially paid, rest unpaid) and I hated going back to work at that point. I cried my whole drive to work and several more times a day every day for the first few months back to work. But it was so much better than anything shorter. </p> <p>I had originally planned on 8 weeks but completely changed my mind once LO was born and renegotiated with my boss and we landed at 13 weeks (I asked for 16 weeks then). If I ever have another LO I will do whatever it takes to take 16-18 weeks. In a perfect world I think I personally need 8-9 months (what they get in the UK) but I'd need to quit my job entirely to get that myself.</p> <p>It is so rough! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1/page/2#post-2295916 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 14:54:27 +0000 Miss Ariel 2295916@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Peanut: technically what your district says about maternity leave is correct. All you're required to have is 12 weeks unpaid time. Most times if you're eligible for a benefit it's through short term disability.</p> <p>For me, I took 10 weeks off. At that point I would have had to use my vacations days to take off more. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1/page/2#post-2295897 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 14:28:01 +0000 PawPrints 2295897@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took six months, mostly unpaid. My job only offers the FMLA 12 weeks but I didn't feel that 12 weeks was enough time with a new baby so I just decided on 6 months. I'm nearing the end now and will return to work soon. I wish I could keep spending more time with LO but it's a good time to go back now. I absolutely would not have been ready any earlier, and I don't feel like LO was either. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295896 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 14:26:07 +0000 bushelandapeck 2295896@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Technically we get 12 weeks but it's unpaid unless you have short term disability. I asked for an additional month, unpaid, and went back when DD was 4 months. I stayed home with DS for 9 months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295890 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 14:20:10 +0000 clover 2295890@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It was 11 weeks the first time (taken off a week before delivery, 12 weeks total FMLA). This time will probably be 10 weeks after delivery but I'm part time now so I expect it should be easier to go back. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295884 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 14:17:54 +0000 MrsYellowJacket 2295884@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm in TX, but work for a global company. I get 8 weeks paid + if I use vacation. We can take up to two years and I plan to take 6 months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295881 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 14:13:19 +0000 lilteacherbee 2295881@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Miss Sarah: Oh I would definitely do that!!</p> <p>@BandDmommy: Yes! Well I'm not teaching anymore. I'm starting to do a little photography :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295765 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 10:58:02 +0000 sapphire 2295765@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took 8 weeks, then went back to work. For about 10 weeks, and then took an additional 5 weeks off before starting a new job. It was not ideal - I wasn't really happy to leave LO at 8 weeks but it was the reality of the situation. 12-16 weeks would have been ideal to me. With that said, it was ok and I got through it but if I had a choice I wouldn't have gone back so soon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295741 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 10:25:29 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 2295741@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My sister had a June baby and didn't take any time off at the beginning of the year and she regretted it. Take whatever you can... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295733 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 10:04:42 +0000 BandDmommy 2295733@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lilteacherbee: I didn't realize you quit working. Are you planning on being a SAHM for awhile? :)</p> <p>For LO1: I was WOHM and took about 6 months off. For LO2: I was SAHM so N/A. For LO3: I'm a WAHM but I'm a contractor and set my own hours so I will probably work 10 or so hours in the beginning and then up it. I love work and I love money, lol. :) LO1 and LO2 will both be in daycare/school when LO3 arrives, so I will have lots of downtime with just me and a new baby. Both my kids were great sleepers and I'm guessing that LO3 will be the same. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295728 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 10:00:44 +0000 Miss Sarah 2295728@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lilteacherbee: after! For a couple of weeks probably. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295727 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 09:58:27 +0000 lilteacherbee 2295727@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Miss Sarah: Yep, that was me. He was born Nov 14th and I went back Jan 14th. Would the half-days be before the 13th of after? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295693 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 09:20:12 +0000 DesertDreams88 2295693@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Peanut: same here - no "maternity leave," just short term disability concurrent with fmla. I could use STD if I were to be placed on bedrest or something, before baby. Also, forcing you to use up sick time or vacation time is really common, too. I have 6 weeks saved up (took only 2-3 sick days a year) and I'll be using it all during fmla. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295617 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 07:58:33 +0000 Boopers 2295617@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a teacher too and was only "allowed" to take 6 weeks. I had just switched districts when I got pregnant and didn't qualify for FMLA. I was forced to use all of my leave as part of that 6 weeks and any time that wasn't covered by leave was unpaid. I had to go back to work the last 3 weeks of school. Thankfully I had the whole summer off with LO and went back this year when he was 4 months, which was a good age to send him to daycare. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295608 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 07:43:12 +0000 Mrs. Peanut 2295608@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ineebee: It's funny you say that about late March. I actually wanted that the most as well, but DH wasn't ready until more recently! That really does seem like the perfect time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295606 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 07:42:14 +0000 lamariniere 2295606@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LO1: I was WOH at the time and had 16 weeks paid with the option of up to one year unpaid. I took the 16 weeks (paid), extended by 4 more months (unpaid) and then decided not to go back but started WAH. I was NOT ready to go back after 16 weeks with LO1. I was still too emotionally fraught, not to mentioned sleep deprived and stressed.</p> <p>LO2: I was WAH (self-employed) and took 5 months unpaid then started WAH again part time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295602 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 07:37:51 +0000 Mrs. Peanut 2295602@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DesertDreams88: and @anagram: I had no idea that they were wrong about FMLA. I will definitely be talking to my district again and bring that up! I didn't want to miss just the first month or so, but I think I could part with the first 3. I know that may sound weird, but that's how I feel. The students are just more grounded at that point. </p> <p>I also considered the fact that if we were having IF, I wouldn't care at all. Luckily, we are still young and only went through one unsuccessful cycle of TTC, so I'm hoping all will go well in the future. I think you guys are right too, once my LO is here, my classroom kids may not be as high of a priority. I think I'll talk to my district Monday and maybe even reconsider my TTC plan. Thank you!! :happy:</p> <p>ETA: If this matters, my district actually has no "maternity leave". They say your maternity leave is short term disability and you have to use all of your sick days then you get unpaid time. For someone who gave birth, you get FMLA at the same time. At least, that's how they explained it to me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295578 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 06:53:58 +0000 Miss Sarah 2295578@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DesertDreams88: Amen! This is my first year teaching (I got a late start, haha). Our timing isn't ideal, due mid-November. But after years of infertility and a round of IVF, that "perfect timing" went right out the window. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295577 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 06:53:36 +0000 bloved 2295577@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am a teacher too and had a June baby. I took off until December and then went back. Before I went back, I was really worried, and I had a hard time in September thinking someone was setting up *my* classroom, but it was fine! In fact, they wound up being one of my favorite classes ever. So even though not ideal, you can definitely make it work! And like others have said, my fmla did not count during the summer. It did not start until September since it can only be used for working days. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295575 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 06:49:26 +0000 Miss Sarah 2295575@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lilteacherbee: I am planning to take 8 weeks with my first as well. My time line is similar since DD is due mid-November. Third Quarter starts January 13th, so I'll be back for that or shortly after. However, I was just informed of the option to come back for half-days for a little bit to transition and that sounds tempting, so I'm considering it! I teach high school on a block schedule, so it would just be for two classes a day. Hmm... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295572 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 06:42:11 +0000 Alba4 2295572@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a teacher too. I had my son in late Aug and went back to work in Jan. Starting the year in Jan wasn't ideal, but it is out of your control. You will make it work! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295571 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 06:38:26 +0000 ineebee 2295571@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>12 weeks. I'm a teacher too, and the baby arrived March 20. So my 12 weeks took me to the end of the school year except for the last three days! I asked my superintendent if I could have those last three days because I don't have other childcare options, and he gave it to me. I'll tell ya, late March is the best time to have a baby! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295506 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 23:54:30 +0000 birdofafeather 2295506@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>13 weeks after baby was born. 3 weeks before. I only voted for the post partum period. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295503 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 23:45:38 +0000 Mrs.KMM 2295503@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't go back but I have a friend who teaches elementary school and just had an August baby and is missing the start of the school year without problem. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295476 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 22:24:40 +0000 sera_87 2295476@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lo1: a year.<br /> Lo2: 14 months. (6 weeks of sick leave &amp; then a year maternity).<br /> Lo3: just started at 24 weeks. There's no way i could go back to work right now (I haven't been back since going off for lo2) with this pregnancy being high risk and since we're looking at NICU time (or a stillborn) can extend it each week he's in there. And if he's stillborn I still get my maternity leave.<br /> - but length: It'll be a year, more or less. Stillborn will be just 18 weeks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295475 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 22:20:48 +0000 californiadreams 2295475@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm in Canada too so I got a year as well. My dream for my next LO is to take 18 months Iif can financially swing the extra 6 months unpaid. Needless to say I think 8 weeks is ridiculously short and I'd take as much you can. I get the importance and timing your job but this is the only time in your life that you get to be with your baby while they are still a baby. I know it sounds cliche but for my first LO I almost took only 4 months for my leave because I'd just started a new job. I'm thankful a few friends convinced me I should take the whole year. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-was-your-maternity-leave-1#post-2295474 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 22:20:45 +0000 Anagram 2295474@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Peanut: What Time Off Counts as Leave?</p> <p>Schools, like other employers, can only count leave time as FMLA leave when the employee would be otherwise working. For example, teachers typically are not required to work during the spring, summer, and winter breaks. Thus, if the employee took FMLA leave before one of these breaks, the period of the break does not count as FMLA leave weeks for that employee. Example: Teacher takes FMLA commencing December 1. Winter break runs from December 19 to January 3. This period of December 19 through January 3 does not count as FMLA leave for the teacher.</p> <p>Since clerical, maintenance, security, and some administrative employees are required to work some or all of the periods of summer, winter, and spring breaks, these weeks would be counted as FMLA leave for those employees. Weeks in which the school is open for a portion of the week, such as Thanksgiving week and President's Day week, would be counted toward FMLA leave for all employees. </p>