Open Question: Am I entitled to statutory maternity pay? Please help?

I started on 9th of November and am due on august 12th it's driving me mad trying to work this out and am worrying so much any help would be great! I have tried to work out the 26th week thing but I can't myself can anybody help?

9 Mar 2010, 5:25 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: i am currently on maternity leave with the nhs?

I will be takin unpaid leave for 3 months from March 22nd till June 22nd. I want to know am i able to hand my notice in from now as i am not going back to work.

10 Mar 2010, 5:12 am | click here for answers

Open Question: which health insurance offers maternity benefits? My wife is pregnant for 6 weeks now. Can i claim maternity?

which health insurance offers maternity benefits? My wife is pregnant for 6 weeks now. Can i claim maternity benefits with this intention to claim? Will the insurer do any medical check up? even if insurer doesn't check, can i claim maternity after 8-9 months? I'm put up in CHENNAI, INDIA

9 Mar 2010, 10:20 am | click here for answers

Open Question: maternity message ? email?

What can I write to someone who is leaving work to have a baby Nice cute sweet message

9 Mar 2010, 12:48 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: What Are My Health Insurance Options When Hiring First Employee(s)?

My 7-year-old tiny business is about to graduate from being a home-based business to moving into a tiny commercial office space and hiring its first employee(s). For the past several years, my company has had a tiny group plan with BCBS of FL (basically one enrollee with family coverage, including maternity.) As the premiums are $1,000+/month, there is NO way that my business can afford to pay for even half of that level of coverage for its first employee(s). That said, I'd very much like to offer some basic level of coverage: perhaps $200/month toward single only high-deductible HMO or PPO level coverage. What should I be thinking about to be able to (a) keep my possess family's coverage unchanged and (b) accomplish my goal to offer/subsidize a more modest level of health insurance for full-time employees?

9 Mar 2010, 7:25 am | click here for answers

Open Question: What did you like to wear when you were pregnant?

I personally liked wearing jump suits. I hated maternity pants and clothes. Especially the pants, they just never fit me right and it seemed like I was always uncompfortable. Now that leggings are in style I don't doubt that with my next pregnancy I will wear leggings and dresses. There is nothing worse than a pregnant person looking a hot mess. I loved looking good while I was pregnant. So what about you what did you wear and how was your experience?

9 Mar 2010, 11:45 pm | click here for answers

Resolved Question: Is there paternity leave for men in Ontario?

After an extensive Google search, I've arrive up with nothing. Is Maternity leave offered to men in Ontario? Is it paid?

8 Mar 2010, 3:21 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: Could my primary care physican treat my back injury?

I had a nasty slip and fall accident. A lot of pain! I was treating with a chiropractor. I no longer go to him because he did some very suspicious things with my claim number. I was suppose to go to my primary care Docotor but she was on maternity leave and could not look any of her patients. I want to know could my primary care doctor treat me. It seems that Chiropractors can't be trusted and they just want your money and the insurances money...don't receive me wrong I know it's a business. And they want you to arrive a thousand times a week. They just seem to only want that one thing...its soo obvious. I feel most comfortable with my Primary Doc. I know what a primary Doc would be able to do is limited but rather that and receive well...then receive used by a Chiro....I know...I know not every chiros are bad, but too tardy.

8 Mar 2010, 7:13 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: I'm pregnant, but what happens when the baby is born?

I'm really worried, I am nearly 12 weeks pregnant and going on maternity leave mid September. I am really worried about what I am going to do when it is born? I don't want to live off benefits, just because I would rather work and provide for my baby myself. My partner works also but we are really worried about how we are going to afford childcare. My family are unable to help as they every work. UK answers would be really helpful, thank you :)

9 Mar 2010, 3:56 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: Manager is not happy with the hours I chose to work?

I have a 3.5 month old daughter and I returned to work last week from maternity leave. I had not decided on a set schedule yet when I returned as I wanted to look how the mornings went. My boss was fine with it at first, but then today when I finally figured out the hours that would best work for me (9-6) she replied with she needed to think about it. That she needs me more earlier in the day than later. She said she realizes that I'm working on a new schedule with a baby and every but that we need to talk. My baby and family is now more important to me than any job or anything else. I refuse to receive up at the crack of dawn in order to receive myself and my baby ready to be at work by 7 a.m. which is when I used to arrive in. The schedule I was requesting was set due to the fact that my daughter usually wakes around 7 every morning so I set it up to where I wouldn't have to wake her up earlier. I now receive up at 5:30 to pump and then receive my husband up and receive myself ready. Then she wakes up about the time I finish getting ready so I receive her up and receive her changed and dress and then I feed her and then we leave. By the time I receive done feeding her (she's breastfed), receive out the door and receive her to daycare, it's almost 9:00 by the time I receive here. I'm already miserable enough having to work, I hate leaving her at a daycare and barely have any time with her during the week. What would you do in my situation. Would you insist on the 9-6 hours even if it cost you your job? I really wanted to reduce my hours to 30 or 32 per week, but I can't unless I become a temp. The work force these days does not accomodate to working mothers at every, and I am so fed up and frustrated. How is anyone supposed to be a good parent these days with the requirements of companies. If you are able to receive your work done, why can't they be more accomodating? Actually initially my hours were 8-5 and I asked to have them changed to match my husbands schedule and because traffic was better too. My boss wants me here so she can ask me to do things like cancel meetings. Fill the copier with paper and send out media reports about our company. I mean arrive on. She did these things for three months while I was out. These things can every still be done at 9 a.m. when I receive in. They won't even give me a laptop so that I can work while I pump. I was trying to help them, but they refused so they lose 45 minutes of day of vaulable time from me because they won't accomodate to my decision to breastfeed my child.

10 Mar 2010, 10:35 am | click here for answers

Open Question: How do you live in emergency accomodation with a baby?

The council want to put me and my new born baby in a bed and breakfast emergency accomodation for 6 weeks. I have been told that its just one room with a sink, no cooking facilities, no fridge, no microwave, no bathrooms just block showers and toilets. Friends i have spoken to say every i will have is a tv and a bed. I will be on benifits and my maternity pay from work but it wont be enough to eat a take away every night. I dont want to sound ungratefull because anyting is better than being homeless but i dont look how im going to bring up my 1st baby with no facilities? Someone help! need advice on how to cope.

10 Mar 2010, 10:24 am | click here for answers

Open Question: Please read! I need some birth control advice!! 10 pts best answer?

I had my daughter 5 months ago. Before pregnancy I weighed 98 lbs. At deliver I weighed around 140. The week after I had my daughter I weighed 110. I was put on Seasonique in December as my form of birth control and now I weigh 120-125. NONE of my clothes fit. My jeans I can't even tug up. Even my maternity jeans are 2 tiny. It is really depressing. I am a tiny person. Does it sound like this weight gain is from the Seasonique? I have an appt with my OBGYN on Wednesday. What birth control do you suggest that doesn't cause weight gain? Are the lower dose birth control pills less effective? Less side effects?? Thanks so much!!!

9 Mar 2010, 12:35 am | click here for answers

Open Question: OnCE Scheme and due a baby 6th October.Contract ends the 8th October.What Maternity Benefit am I entitled t?

I am wondering am I only entitled to Maternity Benefit from when I go on leave-23/9/10, to when my contract is up-8/10/10.If I cannot receive Maternity, can I sign on from the 8th October?

9 Mar 2010, 10:46 am | click here for answers

Open Question: should i get pay for pregnancy leave?

i work for a LTD company and they frown upon it if im sick or have to go for blood tests or scans, ive been trying to use up my holidays and half days etc for my appointments but i only accrue 1.6 days a month and have run out of days off now so have to take unpaid appointments to look the midwife etc which they frown upon, is this right? or am i entitled to pay, im also sick at the moment and really dont have the energy to be in work, but im afraid if i take a day sick i will receive fired, im 26 weeks and due to start maternity leave soon.

9 Mar 2010, 8:43 am | click here for answers

Resolved Question: need help with applying for nib maternity benefits?? Moms who applied?

My mom is having a 4th child and it will be the first time she is applying. She has the form we no about the doctor or midwife signing it but we need info?? How much would she receive on average i no it is based on how much weeks u work?? She is a private nurse. How do you apply, and how many months before u are due?? Will u receive the money after the birth before? Will it be in a lump sum?? Called and went to the website no help jus basic reading off a paper no explanation. Thank u in advance.

8 Mar 2010, 1:51 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: Where to get maternity insurance?

im already pregnant and need insurance. i do not qualify for medicaid. i know pregnancy is a preexisting condition. I found one that is with NABL National Association for Business Leaders. their website is www.accesshealthnow.com. if this is not legit, does anyone know of where i can find another?

8 Mar 2010, 4:28 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: I am pregnant and my mother-in-law has gone overboard about it.?

Help! I am pregnant with my first child and my husband and I were so excited when we found out. Since then, my mom-in-law has gone overboard by posting the pictures from my first ultrasounds on the internet (without my permission), buying me maternity clothes and maternity underwear (not knowing my size even and we are not so close that this was appropriate), told me I am going to need to buy new bras that support me better (as if I didn't know that), has asked me excessively how I am doing, and looks at my belly and talks about it every chance she gets making me very uncomfortable because she is so obsessed with this baby. She knows how far along I am to the day (sometimes I don't even know this!) and was counting down days to my ultrasound before I even was! She has looked at a Chinese Calendar to look if my baby would probably be a boy or girl by calculating my conception date (my husband and I never shared this with anyone). She was telling me ways to possibly conceive a boy or girl before I got pregnant with some old fashioned myths,and even ways to seduce my husband to receive pregnant (I did not need help in this department and if I did, I would have talked to a pal...not my mom-in-law). She even tried to suggest some drano test after I was pregnant to rush up and find out the sex of the baby. I want to do things at my possess pace, and share the special moments, like finding out the sex of our baby, with my husband....not her! She said that when we tell her the results of the ultrasound where we find out if our baby is a boy or girl, to be prepared because she is going to be screaming. She asked me to tell her a date I wanted the baby shower to be on when I was only a month and a half pregnant...way too early to be thinking about the shower...I was still getting used the idea of just being pregnant at that point! She is constantly buying clothes and things for the baby shower, and sending me pregnancy e-mails and links to baby websites, and telling me things I already know about pregnancy. It feels like she is hovering over me just waiting for this baby...I am having a difficult time enjoying my pregnancy because of how she acts towards it every and how obsessed she has become. She has told me the news of becoming a grandma has once again given her a reason to live. I have tried talking to my husband about his mom, and he says to leave her alone...that she is just excited. What should I do to cope with how she has gone overboard?

9 Mar 2010, 10:03 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: I was told I was in labour and having very intense contractions 2-3 mins apart for 10 hours.They then stopped.?

At 38 weeks and its my second child. I awoke to strong intense contractions yesterday that first were 10 Min's apart and lasting a good few Min's. Later that night I was admitted with very intense contractions that were 2-3Min's apart and was told I was 2cm dilated (Though this can be misleading with already having one child?) For the next LOT of hours this continued and I was placed on the maternity ward. Last strong contraction was at half six this morning, then they just stopped. I have now been sent home, but I am still having period like pains. Do contractions start as intently as mine did; and then cease? Should I have fought harder with the decision as I am not glad and it is causing my son some distress seeing me the way I am. Please help xx I would like to add that my son is not even two and we have a close bond. As for me acting like a baby myself as someone has expressed, I am a concerned mom as I think many will understand that he does not have the full understanding yet. He knows of his sister.

9 Mar 2010, 8:16 am | click here for answers

Open Question: Where to send Sure start maternity grant application?

I can't find the adress to send the form for sure start mat.grant to-any help?Thanks

10 Mar 2010, 7:27 am | click here for answers

Open Question: What is child adoption leave and child care leave rules in Primary Education Department in U.P. state(India)?

Hi, My wife is a primary school teacher in Basic Shiksha Vibhag of Uttar Pradesh(India). We want to adopt a female child( 5 month old) because we don't have our possess child. In central govt(india), there is CHILD ADOPTION LEAVE (just like maternity leave) of 180 days upto to child age below 1 year. I wanted to know the child adoption leave rules in U.P. govt. of India. Also want to know the CHILD CARE LEAVE in UP Govt. which was also newly introduced in central Govt. Child care leave is equal to 365 days in central Govt. Pease give these information which is required urgently so that we can proceed for adoption.

10 Mar 2010, 10:07 am | click here for answers

Open Question: Question regarding Paid Adoption Leave?

I am wondering how much is paid leave and how much is not. IS this correct? -35 weeks of paid parental leave -If you give birth you receive an additional 17 weeks of paid maternity leave -What is Adoption leave? is it the same as parental leave? I have seen one site that says you are entitled to 18 weeks of adoption leave AND 34 weeks of parental leave, is this just 18 weeks of job security but not actually paid? I want to make sure I know how much I am going to be paid for before I take it when we do actually receive an adopted baby. I am glad with what we receive I just think it would be mroe fair to receive the same amount whether getting a baby though birth OR Adoption since there is definitely a bonding process to go though with an adoptive child that is not the same with a birth child (I am actually speaking from experience since we have one adopted child already) The boding would be even more complex with an older child. Thanks to every that answer :) Sorry I did mean to add it is Canada that I am asking about

8 Mar 2010, 9:24 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: How to explain to people why I'm taking early leave?

I have just over two weeks until my due date. I went to my prenatal exam today, and my Midwife requested that I go ahead and start maternity leave. I am retaining a lot of fluid. My hands, feet, and face are every extremely swollen. I had planned on working until my I give birth. We already are going to have trouble paying rent and bills with me missing 6 weeks of work. Since my Midwife told me it is important, I listened to her, and turned in the note she gave me. Now, most of my family and friends are giving me grief about it. They are telling me that I cannot afford this, and that I need to ignore my Midwife's requests. When I try to explain to them that it's important, they say that no hurt can arrive from working, even though I was told not to. They are making me feel even worse about my financial situation and making me feel guilty. How do I explain that I'm just listening to what she told me to do?

9 Mar 2010, 5:56 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: Where to find a cute maternity dress.?

I have two weddings to go to this summer. I will be 6 months along at one and 7 at the other. I figure I will just wear the same dress to both weddings. I am wondering if anyone knows where I could find cute maternity dresses that could be worn to a wedding? Also, how do you figure out your size. I'm 5'10" and about a 16/18 normally.

9 Mar 2010, 2:28 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: How did you not go crazy on Maternity Leave?

My Midwife wants me to start my leave at the end of the week and take it easy until the baby gets here. I am going on 38 weeks. I've had a constant job since I was 16, I'm 23 now. I have never been off work for more than my yearly two week vacation. I know that a baby is a constant job, but I'll still be at home most of the time. I don't plan on taking him out for a while after he's born. What did you ladies do while on maternity leave to keep you from dying of cabin fever?

9 Mar 2010, 11:07 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: NHS maternity pay & tax credits (how much) help?

I am trying for a baby & I have worked for the NHS for 12 months in a few weeks, if I receive pregnant & worked till the end of my pregnancy how long do I receive off at full pay, also do you receive more money from the tax credits for the 1st 12 months, I would like to take 6 months off or even 9 if I can afford too, I do not understand how it works, thanks xxx.

8 Mar 2010, 3:18 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: letter to return back to work from maternity leave?

what do i write in the letter?

10 Mar 2010, 10:32 am | click here for answers

Open Question: School for Spanish or Nursing?

I'm a junior in high school and constantly pondering the idea of what I'm going to go to college for. Spanish is definitely my best subject and I pass it with flying colors, and I believe that that would be a good route for me to take in college and maybe become a translator or spanish teacher. I don't know of any other jobs that you would go to school for spanish for, so if you know any that'd be great, too. I also have always loved hospitals and I want to be an ob/gyn nurse so bad and work in the maternity ward at the hospital. I'd adore to help with the labor and take care of the newborns and the mom postlabor. My plan is to go to a University and take classes in both spanish and nursing, but I'm not sure which to have as my number one, spanish or nursing? I'm just looking for opinions and experiences. Thanks!

9 Mar 2010, 10:58 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: could my primary care Doctor treat my back injury?

Could my primary care physican treat my back injury? I had a nasty slip and fall accident. A lot of pain! I was treating with a chiropractor. I no longer go to him because he did some very suspicious things with my claim number. I was suppose to go to my primary care Docotor but she was on maternity leave and could not look any of her patients. I want to know could my primary care doctor treat me. It seems that Chiropractors can't be trusted and they just want your money and the insurances money...don't receive me wrong I know it's a business. And they want you to arrive a thousand times a week. They just seem to only want that one thing...its soo obvious. I feel most comfortable with my Primary Doc. I know what a primary Doc would be able to do is limited but rather that and receive well...then receive used by a Chiro....I know...I know not every chiros are bad, but too tardy.

9 Mar 2010, 2:31 am | click here for answers

Open Question: Please help, I'm writing a book and I need some advice...?

It's set during WW2 (1940) and I need some ideas on the following: 1) A good surname for a working class family 2) Would the dad have been at home with his family or is it more then likely he would have been called to serve in the war? 3) What would the conditions be like in hospital, in a maternity ward as one of the characters gives birth to twins? 4) What is a common "complication" during childbirth with twins that I could use, (I want to write about one of the twins nearly dying during birth) Many thanks! :o)

9 Mar 2010, 10:36 am | click here for answers

Open Question: Can I get maternity allowance when I'm working for an agency?

I've been working for an agency that specialises in Home care. I have been there long enough to claim maternity allowance. But because I'm working for an agency I know I will have to claim maternity allowance ( from the government) Will there be a problem because I'm working for an agency??? I have a contract but nothing is gauranteed because it's an agency. Me and my partner have decided to have another baby and are checking our finances before we do so. But need to make sure I'm not left without any income. I only work part time and have claimed maternity allowance before. Will there be a problem because I work for an agency?? I know I won't be able to claim SMP from my employer because I don't think they do that because they are an agency.... or am I wrong? Can someone please fill me in on my rights to maternity allowance if I work for an agency. Much appreciated xx

10 Mar 2010, 6:11 am | click here for answers

Open Question: Tax Credits; Am I being investigated?

I just had a telephone call from the Tax Credits people asking me if I'm still working. I was made redundant on 24th December but am on maternity leave. I was paid in full untill the end of my maternity period (2wks time). I informed the tax credits office of every of this info and they told me it was fine to keep claiming tax credits until the end of my maternity leave. Everything is in order and I haven't done anything wrong, but I just had a phone call from the tax credits office asking me if I was still working. I just wondered if I am now being investigated for benefit fraud or if it was a general check? I've done nothing wrong (I think/wish) but I'm a worrier and I'm now sat here worrying?!!

10 Mar 2010, 5:18 am | click here for answers

Open Question: Returning to work after maternity leave?

I am asking this question for a pal, as she doesn't have internet access. So I may not have every the details. Basically, my pal went on maternity leave from work around the beginning of April last year, just as a new company were taking over. But she worked for them for about a week or two. In tardy December, of last year, she enquired about returning to work, and gave a date of when she would like to return, but the company stated there was no record of her ever working there/for them. They stopped paying her maternity about one month ago, and so she has decided to try and arrive back to work. She spoke to the manager today, over the phone, and she told my pal that she would have to write a letter to inform the company that she intends to arrive back to work and then wait six weeks before she could finally return. This doesn't sound right to me. Would appreciate some advice. Thanks Additional Details Sorry... We are in Wales, UK She worked for the previous company between 2-3 years. I stated she worked for the new company for a week or two. I stated she left work at the beginning of April. And I am pretty sure it was paid company leave

9 Mar 2010, 5:18 pm | click here for answers

Resolved Question: What would a financial planner/advisor suggest is the best avenue to explore?

Line of credit from our credit union, personal loan, or home equity loan to cover a few months of expenses while on a maternity leave with little current ability to keep enough now to cover the bills for the time off work. we have worked a budget and can keep some but close what we need, about half, I was planning on only 8 weeks off, my husband just started a new job in Jan after 6 months without one so playing catch up is what we have been doing which makes it difficult to keep when already behind

8 Mar 2010, 12:47 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: Do you have to wear maternity clothes?

I'm 12 weeks and have only one pair of pants that fit.I know I will be noticeably showing in a month and it will be warm by then.I will also be at my biggest during the summer.Maternity clothes are nice of expensive for me, but I actually saw some cute stuff at walmart, like babydoll shirts and summer dresses.I was wondering if anyone just wore stuff like that and how many sizes I might need to go up when I buy it?

8 Mar 2010, 9:02 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: Has anyone else ever felt like they would NEVER get out of their maternity jeans?

am 4 months pp and feel like i will never fit into my pre-baby clothes again :( i still have about 30lbs to lose to receive to my pre-baby weight but would like to lose more.

8 Mar 2010, 3:27 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: Submitting Change of Income for FAFSA?

I am submitting a appeal statement for my FAFSA. below my college form I can either chose "Change of Income" or "One-time Income". I am submitting an appeal because in 2009 I covered 3 maternity leaves and a sick leave full time, however, I am back to my part time for 2010. Which should I chose "Change or Income" or One-time Income"?

10 Mar 2010, 3:32 am | click here for answers

Open Question: Gosha hospital in chennai is good for maternity?

Im so sowrried about my wife for maternity in chennai...

9 Mar 2010, 6:38 am | click here for answers

Resolved Question: High stress level - Over-emotional - Any advice?

I have three sons; a seven-year-old, a four-year-old, and a two-year-old. I just recently had twins. I am on maternity leave for a while, so I have some relief from teaching preschool. And I also run a daycare with my pal down the road, but she is letting me have some time off as well. Work is settled. But I still have work at home. I try to fix snacks for the older boys, feed the babies, clean the home . . . Basically, I have been trying to multitask a lot. I keep getting interrupted, though, and I never receive anything done. One boy hits another, he cries, another cries, one twin cries . . . and if one twin goes off, the other is quick to follow. I have to send one boy to time out, but I never know who hit whom, for every three boys are screaming, "He started it," through sobs, pointing every which way. every the while, I have a laundry basket tucked below my arm, I'm cradling a baby, and there's food on the stove. (^^^ Just a scenario. That's technically what it's like, though.) I finally got them every down for a nap, and my husband took time off of work to watch them so that I could go to the doctor. He told me that I have high blood pressure and I need to reduce my stress level. Also, I sob very often over the most minor incidents. Just seeing my babies' faces scrunch up as they start to sob makes me want to break down. This has happened with every three of my sons, but it seems worse now that there are two of them at a time. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

8 Mar 2010, 8:14 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: Can I purchase a business while collecting Maternity pay in ontario?

I am on maternity leave until september 2010 and i want to purchase a franchise before my leave is up. Am I allowed to do this?

9 Mar 2010, 7:21 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: Where are the best places to take portraits in san antonio?

I am a beggining photographer and I have a maternity shoot coming up. I have a field that I use often but I'm getting pretty sick of it. I'd like another field but more of a grassy one with trees in the background. Anyone know of one in SA? Or maybe a field of flowers?

8 Mar 2010, 11:02 am | click here for answers

Open Question: How to write letter to my boss for weekend off?

Hi, I am returning back to work from my maternity leave on 1st april. I am sales advisor in busy store, so most sales we do during the weekend. i have 2 kids and my husband works weekends and nursery are closed weekends. How to write letter to my boss that i need weekends off? Thank you.

9 Mar 2010, 8:10 am | click here for answers

Open Question: im 2 months pregnent, i want to knew about any maternity policies in hyderabad.?

9 Mar 2010, 12:10 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: Voluntary redundancy and notice period?

I am coming up to the end of my maternity leave and after speaking to my boss it was decided by us both that i would take voluntary redundancy. My boss wants me to work my 4 weeks notice period or not receive paid for it. Does anyone know my rights here? Do i have to work it? It will be difficult with the baby to work 4 weeks. thanks

10 Mar 2010, 3:18 am | click here for answers

Open Question: Am I entitled to statutory maternity pay?

I started 9th of nov due 12th if august and have spent every day looking at a calender to look whether am eligible by having looked at eligiblitu I know the criteria just am terrible at working dates please help, thank u so much

9 Mar 2010, 5:56 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: In which province was the first maternity leave legislation passed?

8 Mar 2010, 9:32 am | click here for answers

Open Question: Can my girlfriends employer force her to take maternity leave early?

My girlfriend is 30 weeks pregnant, due May 24th. She has submitted her request for her maternity leave to commence 6 weeks before her due date. Over the last week or two she has not been very well, but has still managed to receive to work on every but two days. When she called work this morning to inform them that she wouldn't be in today however, her manager made a comment to the effect of "Me and the other managers are going to have to have a sit down and decide whether to put you on leave early now." This would gift a huge problem for us as she will only receive statutory pay for most of her leave as it is, and if she were made to leave early, that would mean we would have to survive longer on effectively just my wage. Can her employer "make" her leave work early like this? Or would it still ultimately be her say? Thanks in advance.

10 Mar 2010, 5:25 am | click here for answers

Open Question: when did/would you start wearing maternity clothes?

I am on the tiny size and tend to show or at least receive thicker in the middle pretty early. Its a long story, but most of my maternity clothes from my 1st baby I don't have anymore. My pants are already uncomfortable but I don't want to buy a second set of clothes when I know I'll just need maternity clothes anyway-my baby is due in October, where I live the weather won't change that much. But I am only 8 weeks so it seems like some how it would be wrong to wear maternity pants already? How soon would you start wearing them without feeling ridiculous? I do have some empire waist dresses that could help tide me over.

10 Mar 2010, 10:52 am | click here for answers

Open Question: pregnant with a belly ring?

Hi...I am 7 months prego and my belly just start stretchn I live n philadelphia an there is nowhere for me to buy the flexible maternity belly rings from plus I don't have a credit card to order anything off line so I was wondern is there something that I can buy from mayb n arts n crafts store or some type of store that can replace the non metal maternity belly rings so that I would b able to keep it n or are they the only thing that I would b able to use...ps my midwife said I can keep my regular belly ring n until it starts to hurt me but I want to switch b4 it starts to hurt...thanks to everyone who answers u really r a big help

10 Mar 2010, 2:40 am | click here for answers

Open Question: I want to sew a dress, anyone have experience in this?

I have a little experience with a sewing machine, I've made a few handbags through high school. Never tried anything like this. I'd like to make something with this shape, I usually wear a size 3 but I'm pregnant sooo I think I should invest my time in making a maternity dress. Any advice? http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/b/0/0/a2/a/AAAACzZGIT4AAAAAAKKglQ.jpg

9 Mar 2010, 4:54 pm | click here for answers

Open Question: What all do I have to pay for pregnancy with insurance?

I have blue cross blue shield of SC with my work and it covers maternity. I have a deductible of $500 and my out of pocket maximum is $3000 ... and I was wondering what every I would have to meet with my pregnancy! I just found out i am pregnant! If I am paying $250 a month for insurance, I would wish it wouldnt be over the deductible!

8 Mar 2010, 3:52 pm | click here for answers