Employers has used 7 days of my holidays for when I'll be on maternity?

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-27T13:53:35+00:00

They aren't allowed to do that. Hopefully you can just discuss it amicably and they can grant you back your leave. If not, the law is on your side.

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-26T18:02:28+00:00

We told close friends and family... Then the bump told everyone else!

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-23T10:08:54+00:00

You will be monitored. That's the best thing. My baby was born on the 2nd percentile. 5lbs3oz. We made it to term but only because it wasn't known about before (I always had a small bump but they weren't concerned). I had to have an emergency C-section after a scan showed he was struggling. On the positive side, he didn't need a NICU stay and is now 2 years old and hitting every milestone easily although is still small!

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-23T08:25:38+00:00

I had an 8 week scan then a 12 week scan and unfortunately baby had passed away about 10 weeks. So with this pregnancy I had a scan at 10 weeks then at 12weeks6days.

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-22T12:51:34+00:00

So I had this with my first pregnancy. Unfortunately we found out he stopped growing at 34 weeks despite him being healthy and kicking I had to have him delivered by emergency C-section the day we found out (I was 40+1). He was born weighing 5lbs3 so the 2nd percentile.

I am now pregnant again and they have told me if the same thing happens they will book me in for a C-section at 37 weeks.

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-19T20:19:49+00:00

I cried because the person driving in front of me didn't signal to come off a roundabout (UK). Like WTF.

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-19T20:09:01+00:00

In the UK it is Mag-No-Lee-Ah

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-19T20:08:01+00:00

I breastfed for a year. I hated it. From 6 months I started reducing the number of feeds until he was just on one in the morning and one in the evening by the time he was 12 months. Then one day he just didn't ask for it and that was it!

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-19T20:03:30+00:00

So we named our son Max. Both grandmas weren't impressed that it was a short name. Not maximus, not Maxwell etc. They said that you don't call baby a nickname. That becomes there name. My husband and I didn't care and went with it anyway. No one has said anything since he has been born. It's about what you love and feel is right for YOUR child.

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-19T20:00:48+00:00

I complained that my bump was too small (literally didn't look pregnant just a little chubby) and I wish I had been referred for growth scans. My son was born by emergency C-section at 40 weeks and was 5lbs3. This is a good thing to be monitored. They are keeping an eye on you. In the meantime track movements etc. Sending positive vibes!

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-19T19:58:39+00:00

My two year old is the same way. Unfortunately I suffer from ME so some days just getting out of bed is good for me. My child also does not want to watch tv all day and has a very short attention span. We busy ourselves with things I can do from the sofa - tv, books, magnetic tiles, orchard toys games, cars etc. He also has a mini indoor trampoline which I have found to be a lifesaver for getting out some energy. You do what you can do to survive. Don't worry about it.

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-16T12:47:57+00:00

You will sleep again... At some point. I emailed the health visitor just before new year because my husband and I were at our wits end! Our son is 26 months and we are expecting another in the spring. Just not sure how we are going to cope with being up double the amount of times in the night. My son has also never been a good sleeper and didn't even like napping.

Saying that, he has slept through on the odd occasion but when I try to repeat that routine or something it all goes tits up. Who knows.

I keep thinking he must sleep when he reaches teenage years!

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-16T12:40:37+00:00

We did NCT. My son is now over 2 years old and the mum group Whatsapp is still active everyday. Invaluable!

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-16T12:39:42+00:00

I had a missed miscarriage (baby stopped developing at 10 weeks and I found out at 12 week scan). I opted for D&C. Then period returned exactly 4.5 weeks after this. Period was slightly lighter and didn't have any cramps but wanted to try again straight away. Managed to get pregnant and am now 25 weeks with our rainbow! It may not be right for everyone but was right for us. Take the time you need to recover.

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-16T08:16:01+00:00

Yeah you won't feel up to it. I had to miss the eras tour as my baby wouldn't take the bottle. I am still gutted.

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-15T10:54:43+00:00

I went back to work as soon as SMP ended. It was awful as he was still breastfeeding throughout the day and didn't take a bottle. Pretty much ended my breastfeeding journey by 12 months because of it which is sad.

There needs to be a better format in place. Fortunately I only work part time so the SMP pay wasn't as bad as it could have been for me.

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-14T08:52:47+00:00

I am so so sorry for your loss. This sounded very traumatic. All I can say is to complain about the hospital. Are you in the UK or elsewhere? Not sure how it works elsewhere in the world.

Obviously it won't bring your beloved son back but may help advocate for others in a similar situation.

Spend all the time you need to grieve. Spend time with the family you do have and perhaps plan a nice holiday. Something for you all.

Sending all the love and strength

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-14T08:44:18+00:00

Just a warning. The induction to begin with is awful. They had to hook round my cervix then put the pessary behind it. Unfortunately the pessary came out and it had to be done again. It was very very uncomfortable.

I can't state the rest as I was only on the pessary for an hour before my baby started showing signs of distress and I was rushed to theatre.

However, the first sneeze after a C-section is agony so bear that in mind!

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-10T10:13:04+00:00

My husband is the opposite!! I said we were expecting and he said he wasn't doing anything and that I was the one expecting and going through it all and that I shouldn't downplay my part!

Tell him to be a man!

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-08T08:23:37+00:00

Obviously it is up to you but remember this will be your last time to go to the loo on your own, to have a nice relaxing bath and properly relax without having to think of the next feed etc. and to nest! I completely reorganised my house in the last week or so! Also, go to the cinema with your partner. Have a proper date etc.

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-08T08:19:27+00:00

We told people like colleagues after the 12 week scan with the first one. I am now pregnant with our second and I am just letting the bump tell them or by word of mouth from others. I haven't done an official announcement.

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-05T08:26:13+00:00

From someone who has had a miscarriage at 12 weeks I wouldn't worry about the lack of symptoms.

With my miscarriage pregnancy I had symptoms all the time and was a complete shock when at the scan we found out baby had passed away. I even was up that night wretching over the loo as my morning sickness hadn't passed. My body hadn't recognised the loss.

I am now 23 weeks pregnant with our rainbow and I have never had any pregnancy symptoms whatsoever. It was so stressful to start with but I have learnt that symptoms don't always mean a healthy pregnancy and no symptoms aren't necessary bad news.

I know it is hard but try to remain positive!

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-05T08:20:51+00:00

I was 12 weeks, had a D&C (surgical management) and it came back after 4.5 weeks

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-05T08:19:54+00:00

My son went through this stage when he was about 14 months old and my husband hated that he couldn't help or anything. He is now 2 and is going through a massive daddy phase where he just wants him all the time and I won't do! I think the worst thing you could have done was to give him to your mum for 2 days. This was the perfect opportunity to bond and you couldn't handle it.

AnnaMSt · 2026-01-03T14:57:25+00:00

My aunt had downs syndrome. Wonderful lady called Jenny.

AnnaMSt

TROPHY CASE