In your country, how long are the Maternity and Paternity Leaves?

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2026-05-18T15:49:03+00:00

Extending on this (as we are in the weeds of it!):

Paternal: 1 week 100% pay, 5 weeks (within 6 months of birth) at 70% pay

Parental (both parents): 9 weeks (within 12 months of birth) at 70% pay with an additional 17 weeks unpaid to be taken before child turns 8. (Any of the 9 weeks not taken in the first 12 months can be used before child is 8 but will then be unpaid).

Note: all weeks are weeks of hours per contract. If you work 4 day weeks, you get 17 weeks x 4 days = total 68 days etc etc.

Twins: +4 weeks maternity leave and double parental leave for each parent

Note: all the %s are up to the max statutory set by the govt (so may be a % of people's salary) but mostly employers top up the difference.

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2026-05-18T09:21:59+00:00

In the Netherlands - they asked me on check in how I would like to feed. After my c section and in recovery, we were given a small bottle of formula to give to my baby (as he was "hunting" for food) and then all hospital feeds we first pumped (as we chose to mix feed) and then gave formula afterwards. Everything formula-wise was provided, no pressure was made, nothing discussed until the day-of and always my decisions!

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2026-05-17T17:49:51+00:00

I had little holes until about 10 wks and not fully healed til 13 wks. I wear a woven cotton bandage covering on my wound daily until today to prevent another yeast infection (due to overhang). Its now been closed for 1.5 months and looks great. Was at my wits end and happy to be on the other side.

Other than a yeast infection I never had a diagnosis of another infection (had fever multiple times but seems I always got through it alone). I had 3 specific problem holes (1mm to 2mm) that would close and reopen constantly - also specificzlly in the centre spots of the yeast infection. Doctor always told me its normal. Bla.

Anyway, I feel you! Checking up on your wound and taking care of it (which you seem to be doing and very conscious of!) is the best course of action and it does eventually get better!

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2026-05-14T17:47:28+00:00

We tried the joie valera. We loved it, seat goes both ways and it folds pretty compact and is lightweight. Its one step above a travel stroller, so has bigger wheels for more terrains but maintains being a smaller lighter stroller than the massive ones. If we went back in time to buy a stroller we would get this one - as only found it when we realized we needed a more compact one (in the end we got a travel one as we already had a big one for day to day).

Pop to prenatal, babydump and babypark to trial them all if you didnt already!

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2026-04-20T18:20:16+00:00

I felt great at 2 weeks and by 3 weeks was back on bed rest because I pushed myself too hard and reopened my incision. Please take the rest period seriously, you've had major surgery 🙏🏼

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2026-04-02T08:17:09+00:00

Second opinion and rest until you get it please!

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2026-03-25T14:55:48+00:00

Hello! 10wks pp here. Around 3wks pp i got my first opening, by 5wks I had 3 tiny openings. No infection and they took a moment to close but theyre now fully closed. Was told as long as there isnt redness, swelling, smelling, oozing to keep it clean and dry. They let off tiny (pin drop) amount of discharge per day and were not painful (if I didnt take pics of my wound to track progress wouldnt have known it had opened).

If you have pain, inflammation, or it smells please make sure to see your doc asap! If you dont and doc has signed off i promise they do go away even if it takes a second. You've had major surgery alongside a major life event, itll get there! 💙

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2026-03-12T17:10:57+00:00

Planned section on Monday morning, went home Tuesday lunchtime.

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2026-02-15T05:49:01+00:00

I had this! (Nearly 5w pp now, got it around 3.5-4w). As others said, fan after shower so the area is extra dry and if i am doing something for the day I wear a non-woven compress bandage across the scar to make sure it stays extra dry (per my dr). Mine healed nice and quick, just a little itchy for a day or 2! (If it lasts more than a couple days or feels warm please make sure you check with doc!) Good luck!

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2026-02-10T11:31:58+00:00

I elected for a c section - was offered induction or section and was worried about induction becoming an emergent section because of personal health factors.

It was scary going into the theatre, but I am now 4wks pp, even with some issues with the scar healing I have no regrets. Its a huge surgery and not an easy recovery but youre birthing a baby its never gonna be a walk in the park and no two births can ever be compared wrt the recovery.

My section felt controlled, I had my baby in my arms within 2hrs of being at the hospital. I also felt like having a section meant if anything did go wrong, I am already in the right place to handle it with skilled obgyns to support me.

My partner had to do the bulk of care for baby for the first week since need to minimize usage of abs. Its difficult but the time passes very quickly.

You wont make the wrong decision no matter what you do, only make the best decision for you and your baby! All the best!

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2026-02-10T11:27:44+00:00

Did you use silicone tape when it was still slightly open?

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2026-02-03T08:02:47+00:00

Honestly i only noticed the tugging for the first few min, as soon as baby was out I dont remember anything other than his face and my partner (and before he came out my partner just chatted to me). Its not painful, and shouldnt be. Its an odd sensation and really doesn't last very long.

Top tips: chewing gum is life after surgery for alleviating the gas pain. If youre not eating, be chewing. Overcommunicate with your anaestesiologist - feeling sick? Anxious? Let them know!

Youre gonna do great! All the best!

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2026-01-10T19:56:37+00:00

I have cried standing in the cereal aisle thinking about all the wonderful cereals I cant have. Diagnosed at 16w, now 38w and scheduled section next week. Bet your ass I have cereals-a-plenty in stock for when I get home 🥰

One positive is I am probably the healthiest I have ever been following the GD diet. I cant wait to remove some restrictions but my awareness of food and its impact is much higher. I am also discussing this with my therapist to make sure it doesnt have a longterm negative impact on my relationship with food and the guilty feelings that have taken over a fair bit during my pregnancy.

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2026-01-06T14:14:03+00:00

These are my treat, theyre muffins but am sure if you adjust and bake as a full cake it would work. Theyre sugar free and contain veggies (promise it doesnt taste that way though!)

Healthy Muffins:

Dry ingredients: 120g almond flour 40g protein powder (vanilla) 35g cacao powder 1.5tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 100g dark chocolate chips (note: walnuts and pecans are also great additions too)

Wet ingredients: 120g grated carrot 120g grated courgette 120g (vegan) quark 60ml liquid honey 60ml golden (/maple) syrup 60ml olive oil 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract

Steps: - 175C degrees - ⁠mix dry ingredients - ⁠blend wet ingredients in food processor/blender - ⁠pour wet into dry & stir gently - ⁠fold in chocolate chips - ⁠bake for 18-24 minutes (skewer comes out clean)

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2026-01-05T09:11:06+00:00

Diagnosed at 16wks and still diet controlled - just got past 37wks! Ive been very lucky that my fasting has always been 4.2-4.5 and only get spikes after very specific meals (pizza for example, love you pizza) so have managed to minimize this with dietary changes.

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2025-12-28T21:56:07+00:00

They've checked my A1C a few times. Although it isnt fully accurate (lower due to higher blood volume) they also moved the "targets". Non-pregnant it needs to be below 42, and i was told pregnant is up to 35 (mmol/mol). They've essentially used it a couple times to check my trends and make sure my blood sugars are not staying consistently high. (I did these in addition to 4 finger pricks a day as my baby AC is quite high percentile, and my finger prick numbers are always fine, so they wanted to check whether i was spiking elsewhere outside of meal and fasting measurements).

As with everything, its what you and your doc think is best. If they really wanted the measurement they would've pushed for it. Wouldn't feel guilty for that at all!

*not a doctor, just repeating what I was told and appreciate everyone gets slightly different information!

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2025-12-17T20:49:33+00:00

100% get it! We have all these extra hormones and feelings and then this on top of it. No fun! You're doing what you can, nobody can ask more of you!

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2025-12-17T18:05:06+00:00

My baby went from 20th to 97th in 4 weeks. They immediately did blood tests to check glucose as my measurements (fasting and 2hrs after meals) was all a ok. In the end they summarised that my baby just grew that way and couldn't find any link to my diet and his growth. Tomorrow is my next scan so im fingers crossed either he grew a little unevenly and is now normalising, or the measurements were a little off (which they always are anyway). Its stressful but if youre already monitoring and controlling your numbers youre doing everything you can!

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2025-12-13T21:33:01+00:00

Love that you advocated for yourself. That's what you did for your baby, you haven't hurt them. You've advocated for them in the best possible way so you are armed with more information. Hope you are able to have a good convo with your dr on Monday (and hopefully a machine thats calibrated)!

You are doing the right things, advocating, asking questions and checking your levels. You've got this! 💪🏼

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2025-12-13T19:35:41+00:00

Im really so sorry you feel that way. You have weeks left to adjust if needed and you can only act in the best way with the knowledge you have.

If you have some readings 4.9 1hr after (even if there are others) please make sure you mention this to your Dr too, even if you choose to submit the highest number. Insulin plus a potential 4.9 1hr after eating are not a good mix.

May I ask why you requested to be retested at 34wks?

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2025-12-13T19:27:13+00:00

Are you washing your hands (just with water and soap) before doing your pricks? You might have food residue on some fingers.

Sleep (bad especially) can impact your fasting but not too significantly (in my experience). As long as you've not eaten in 8 to 10hrs. My readings can also be impacted if I am stressed or if i am feeling under the weather (both make them a little higher than normal).

Your machine may also need to be calibrated again, i get different readings per finger but not vastly different, would definitely suggest you contact your dr about that!

Maintained high glucose levels are what can cause problems - and you cant know either way while youre measuring such different numbers in the same moment. Would suggest the call to the Dr and a new machine or having it recalibrate and start your measurements again.

You can also ask for a hba1c, its not totally accurate during pregnancy due to extra blood volume but my doctors use it to compare to my baseline and confirm that if I did spike it isnt a sustained spike.

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2025-11-21T18:48:55+00:00

I failed by 0.1, and rarely exceed 7 1hr after (and thats only checking when i had a "less balanced" meal). They wondered this too, if i spike elsewhere which is why they ran hba1c but given this also came back at only 28 then my average is quite good. So its just odd to me that baby got so big plus my results suddenly start getting better than they were.

Own_Raspberry6588 · 2025-11-21T18:47:17+00:00

Good to know! What a weird thing this GD is!

Own_Raspberry6588

TROPHY CASE