Maternity leave

Hi all!!

I’m about 6 months along and plan to stay home when babe is born in June. I am currently working and my employer gives 12 weeks of maternity leave. My moral dilemma is as follows: when do I tell them I’m not coming back? If I do it too early, I risk not being able to use my 12 weeks of maternity leave which is a part of my comp package. I have to work 12 months to get it- and I want to receive that benefit. I did the time!

However, I do enjoy the people I work with and the company has been great so far (really chill family friendly company from what I can see), so I also don’t want to leave them high and dry. Any suggestions or advice for moms in here who left corporate knowing they wouldn’t return? How did you navigate maternity leave?

Side note- my in laws kind of shamed me last night and said my reputation “will follow me everywhere” and I really should tell my employer asap I’m not coming back , but as boomers typically do- they offered no helpful solutions or practical advice lol so here I am ! Thanks ladies 🤍