Maternity leave?

Hi, can I ask your opinions please?

I have decided that I don't want to take maternity leave when my baby arrives (ok, many may think I am mad but I don't want to!). My question is - is there a compulsory amount of time that I MUST take off or can I start back as soon as I want to?

I've got 2 weeks in my head but I think that might be when you're employed....not sure about self employed. I'm taking as long off as our bank account can stand!

You won't be entitled to pay- but I don't think their is a minimum. Just warn parents if you need surgery you will need 6 weeks recovery. What if baby is late? Are kids coming until you drop?

Will you not be entitled to smp through job centre as long as you have been paying NI. ? X

The law states new mothers should take a minimum rest period of two weeks after the birth of a child.

Don't you have to not work to collect the smp?

My friend who is also a child minder was able to receive it for about 6 months I think. Best option is to speak to job centre x

If you are self employed there is no minimum time. I had an emergency CS with my DS and still went back to work after 5 days although I was not child minding, I was working from home.

xxxx

As long as you've been paying NI you will be entitled to maternity allowance, so even if you only take 2 weeks off at least there's a little bit coming in - it can vary depending on what you've been earning but could be up to £138.18 per week - there is a calculator on https://www.gov.uk/calculate-your-maternity-pay. I'm planning on taking 4 weeks off, but may use my five keeping in touch days to take another 4 weeks off and just work one day a week for that month. X