Packing It In and Taking An Early Leave

Okay, so my plan was to work right up until this baby decided to make his appearance, but the last couple of weeks--and days in particular--have been so hard for me. I bit the bullet this morning and told my boss that I wanted to start my leave on Friday, two weeks before my actual due date. Don't ask me why I feel guilty, but I do! But this week I have had a nasty cold and developed a bladder infection. It seems as if the antibiotics have not yet kicked in and I have had horrible back and pelvis pain due to this crazy infection. Coupled with not being able to sleep at night, and dealing with a preschooler-- and the thought of going to work seems like torture! Thank God I don't actually WORK for a living!

Why do we, as moms, however, feel guilty for now matter what decisions we choose to make? I am already 3cm dilated and 70% effaced, so doesn't that count for something? After all, my body has been somewhat busy! Not to mention, when I am at work, I have to suffer through stupid questions and some times down right rudeness from fellow employees. One "gentleman" actually asked me if I was having twins! Another "gentleman" keeps telling me not to sneeze, or I might have that baby...which is of course, followed by laughter on his part. So, you, see making sure I have all my ducks in order and having some special time with my son before this baby arrives makes a heck of a lot of sense to me! On the flip side...I want to make sure I spend as much time with my new baby as possible and taking an earlier leave means I need to return to work earlier. Although, I think it is crazy to think that the hard work of having a baby only begins once the baby is here!

Did you take an early maternity leave, or work right up to your due date?