Add to that the fact that we’re still in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, inflation is on the rise and the UK has one of the lowest rates of maternity pay in Europe, the financial considerations involved with preparing for leave is enough to give any expectant parents sleepless nights before baby even arrives.  

A recent survey by Maternity Action, found that the proportion of women who worried a lot about money while pregnant or on maternity leave has risen considerably over the last few years from 64% in 2022 to 73% in 2024. And 65% of women said money worries had affected their mental health and wellbeing while pregnant or on maternity leave.  

It's not all doom and gloom though, because with 9 months to get your finances in shape, there’s plenty of time and lots of ways to make a difference to your bank account.  

To help you enjoy this special time with your new baby rather than stressing over the pennies, we spoke to financial experts as well as real mums who have been in the same situation to bring you 8 simple mat leave money stretching ideas. 

How much money do you need for maternity leave?  

There’s no set minimum figure you need in your bank to pay for your maternity leave (although many parents aim for about two months’ salary worth of savings) and every new parent’s situation is unique depending on their individual salary, whether they have a partner in work and their monthly outgoings.  

However, there is a way to work out approximately how much you’ll need, by doing this simple calculation…  

Tot up how much money you’ll receive over the course of your leave based on your employer’s maternity leave policy. Now divide this by the number of months or weeks you’re planning to take off work. With this number you’ll be able to see if you can cover any bills, rent or mortgage you contribute to and if there’s any left over.  

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), is now £187.18 per week from April 2025, and lasts for 39 weeks (so if you take leave for longer, remember you won’t be paid at all for those weeks or months), and employers must pay you at least 90% of your average weekly earnings before tax for the first 6 weeks.  

You’ll also need to add in some room in your maternity leave budget for food and essentials like nappies and formula (if you’re planning to use bottles). If you have a partner in work, remember to look at how much of their salary can cover the dent made by your drop in earnings.  

If the final number falls short of what you expect to spend on mat leave, then it’s time to get saving, make some extra money or, as 59% of women in the Maternity Action survey did, consider returning to work sooner than you initially planned.  

Gemma Bird, author and money-saving influencer known as @moneymumofficial, says preparation is key. 

Gemma recommends setting aside a portion of your salary early on to soften the financial blow: “If you’re on a full-time wage and you know you’re going to be dropping down to SMP, try and put half of your money away for the next nine months.”

And if you want to take the full year off, a steady savings plan can make it possible: “If you manage to put £300 away per month the minute you find out you’re pregnant, and you want to take a full year off, you then have money to cover the last three months, which you wouldn’t usually get paid for.” 

8 easy ways to save money before and during maternity leave

We’ve rounded up the smartest, most practical money-saving tips from financial experts and real mums who’ve been there – so you can focus on bonding with your baby, not stressing about your bank balance. 

1. Be smart with your annual leave  

 Thankfully while you’re on maternity leave you still accrue annual leave so you can use this to your advantage to make your mat leave more financially viable.  

If by the end of 9 months mat leave you can’t afford to take the extra 3 months with no SMP you could tag your accrued annual leave onto the end of your mat leave and get paid but still be off work for several weeks.  

If your employer agrees, you could also have a staggered start back to work by using your annual leave to take one or two days off each week before you go back to your usual full or part-time hours.  

2. Make the most of any employee benefits  

Every employer has different benefits, so make sure to read your contract carefully or speak to HR to maximise yours.  

If you need a bit of money to keep you going towards the end of your maternity leave and want a slow and gentle introduction back into work, you can discuss Keeping in Touch days with your employer. You can work up to 10 Keeping in Touch (KIT) days and will be paid for these.  

“I negotiated enhanced maternity pay from my employer on the basis that I’d been there a while, and that I’d return after,” says Natalie Pejovic, a member of the Made For Mums Top Testers Club.  

“Having the conversation was nerve wracking, but it definitely helped! KIT days also helped. I started those early on from home to help top up my pay. I used all 10 as I saw them as 10 days’ pay at my previous full-time salary equivalent.” 

In addition, there are also 20 paid Shared Parental Leave in Touch (SPLIT) days you can work in addition to the KIT days. And remember to have a think about your particular job and how you can time leave in your favour.  

Another option is to ask your employer to split your pay evenly over the number of months or weeks you’ll be on maternity leave. While this won’t get you any extra money, it will help you with your budgeting and stop you overspending one month and not having enough the next.  

“I asked my employer to split my maternity pay over the months/time I was having off,” says Toyin Miller, a member of the Made For Mums Top Testers Club.  

“A lot of maternity pay is front-loaded, but the payroll department can help with financial budgeting if you split your pay more equally over each month. This was incredibly helpful for me and made those latter months of maternity leave less painful.” 

3. Identify easy cutbacks 

“Write down all your financial incomings and outgoings – and I mean every, single thing,” says Gemma.  

“By doing this you may find a pattern. For instance, I’ve got friends who say, ‘Why am I in debt?’ and it turns out they’re buying a Starbucks every day or they have a gym membership and do Zumba classes too, which is costing them another tenner. Keeping track of your money in this way means it’s easier to spot how and where you could be saving.” 

“Every few months, review your bank account for subscriptions and decide if they're still necessary.” says Christie from Hodge Bank, “For example, if you're paying more than £30 for Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video but mainly watch one, consider cancelling the rest. 

“Similarly, evaluate your gym membership — many streaming services offer workout videos that may be more convenient once the baby arrives, and you’ll be able to squeeze in a 15-minute YouTube routine around the newborn’s napping schedule.” 

4. Find free events and classes to meet other mums  

There’s no denying maternity leave can be lonely at times (newborns sleep between 12 and 16 hours a day and aren’t great conversationalists) so it’s important to get out and about and meet other parents.  

However, registering for paid classes can make a huge dent in your budget, you may end up missing some sessions when baby isn’t playing ball, and they aren’t the only way to meet people. 

“Look for parenting events at nearby churches, your local council or ask your health visitors if there are any free local meets or services,” says Gemma.  

“I didn’t pay for NCT and I went to the free council run maternity meet-up for mums. Instead of going to expensive coffee shops for meetings, we rotated between our houses. That way you’re just hosting once every six weeks or so and all you’ve got to provide is some coffee and cake.” 

Don’t just look for free events when you’re on maternity leave though, use the 9 months you’re pregnant to save by swapping expensive cinema trips or meals out with more budget-friendly options.  

5. Earn some money while on maternity leave  

In between changing nappies and feeding baby, you might find you have a bit of spare time on maternity leave, so you could use it wisely to add some money to your baby budget.  

The easiest way to make money is to sell some of your unwanted things to make some cash, but you could also branch out and sell for other people too.  

“If you have a friend or family member who has lots of things that they want to sell in their house, but they don’t have the time to do it, volunteer your services,” says Gemma.  

“You’ve probably already got apps like Vinted, Facebook Marketplace and eBay on your phone, so make an arrangement where you take a percentage of the profits of everything sold.” 

Once you’ve finished with baby bits and you know you won’t use them anymore don’t let them gather dust. Sell them on straightaway to help you pay for the next thing your baby or toddler might need. 

Perhaps you have a particular skill you could use to make some extra cash. These could include creating greetings cards, artwork or personalised items that you can sell on Etsy or using sewing skills to alter or make clothes for people while baby is napping.  

“I became a mystery shopper and I also did ‘assignments’ through road works and reviewed how well traffic was flowing through areas,” says Stephie Annan, a member of Made For Mums’ Top Tester Club.  

“It was great as my daughter would sleep in the car! It sounds boring, but it worked for me and gave me a coffee shop fund, so little treats didn’t impact on wider finances.” 

6. Learn to shop smart 

If your weekly shopping trolley is filled with things you’ve added on a whim or expensive ready meals and convenience foods, then it’s time to get smart about how you shop.  

Rule 101 of savvy shopping is to write a shopping list of ingredients you can use to make dishes from scratch and STICK TO IT. 
 

Consider spending a weekend before your due date batch cooking cheap and easy meals like lasagne, cottage pie and chilli and sticking them in the freezer ready for when you first have your baby or days when you don’t get a chance to cook.  

Do your research on where to buy budget-friendly nappies and the cheapest formula (all formula must apply to the same government guidelines whatever the price!).  

You could also offer your services as a reviewer: “I applied to do product testing,” says Lucia, a member of the Made For Mums Top Testers Club. “This way I was being sent things to test that I would otherwise been paying for like baby food, dishwasher tablets, washing liquid, washing powder, even toilet paper - this helped a lot!” 

Some of the mums in our Top Testers Club also took part in paid online surveys, secret shopping trips and product testing to receive vouchers, used vouchers from loyalty cards for free days out and instead of buying baby books borrowed them from the library.  

Don’t think that your newborn baby needs everything to be brand new – accept good hand me downs, such as clothes and a pram, with open arms (but don’t let people dump rubbish on you!).  

“Newborns don’t understand money,” says Gemma. “They don’t need brand new toys or hundreds of items of clothing; take a look at some second-hand options and check out Facebook marketplace for some great steals.” 

The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) runs regular local Nearly New sales for big ticket items like prams, cots, changing tables as well as clothes and toys at bargain prices.  

Finally, if you’re having a baby shower wait to see what gifts you receive, before buying bits for your baby.  

“Chances are you’ll get loads of newborn clothes, so I’d suggest taking them back to the shop and asking to swap for the next size up,” says Gemma. “I don’t think I bought my son any clothes until he was two because I kept switching them up!” 

7. Make your savings work harder  

If you’ve managed to save some money before mat leave it’s important to make the most of it. Christie Cook recommends considering easy access accounts but warns that fixed rate accounts might offer more security as rates fluctuate.  

Take time to look at whether you’re receiving all the benefits from your bank account too such as cashback rewards or consider making a switch to another account if it’s offering financial rewards for switching or has better benefits than your current account.  

8. Apply for all the benefits you’re entitled to 

Be sure to check if you qualify for any extra help from the government: “It’s worth checking if you are entitled to any additional benefits while you're on mat leave,” says Shereen Wels, a member of the Made For Mums Top Testers Club.  

“My husband works full time, and I work 3 days a week while not on mat leave. We have 3 children, and we're entitled to a small amount of universal credit each month. It's not a lot, but it certainly helps.” 

Once you’ve had your baby you might be eligible for child benefit too, which comes in at £25.60 per week for the eldest child and £16.95 for additional children.  

References:  

• The Cost of Living on Maternity Leave Survey 2024, Maternity Action  

This crowdsourced list, drawn from over 800 companies and verified by current or past employees, highlights workplaces where parents are truly supported—with generous pay, inclusive policies, and even fertility and miscarriage support. Here’s everything you need to know.

Why parental leave policies matter

For many prospective parents, accessing information about parental leave policies has long been a challenge. Historically, these policies have been shrouded in secrecy, often leaving employees in the dark about their entitlements.

Katie Guild, co-founder of Nugget Savings, explains the significance of this transparency:

By crowdsourcing data from over 200,000 parents-to-be, Nugget Savings aims to level the playing field and ensure that parents are aware of their rights.

The top UK companies for parental leave

The companies on this list are leading the charge when it comes to parental benefits, offering packages that go above and beyond the statutory requirements. Here are some of the standouts:

1. Knight Frank: The real estate giant provides 26 weeks of full pay for both mothers and fathers, with up to 52 weeks of total leave.
2. Baillie Gifford: Employees at this Edinburgh-based investment firm can access 26 weeks of 100% pay and an additional 13 weeks at 50%.
3. Zoopla: This property platform offers a year off for mums, with 6 months on full pay, 3 months on half pay, and 3 months unpaid. Dads benefit from 8 weeks at full pay and 4 weeks at half pay.
4. J.P. Morgan Chase: From day one, employees receive 6 months of full-pay maternity leave, 3 months statutory, and £15,000 for IVF treatments.
5. Ticketmaster: A standout for gender-equal parenting, Ticketmaster offers 26 weeks of full-pay shared parental leave, plus up to £19,000 for fertility treatments.
   more than just leave: the extras that make a difference

These companies don’t stop at providing enhanced parental leave. Many go further with policies that support parents through fertility struggles, baby loss, or the challenges of balancing work and family life.

• Lloyds Banking Group: Supports parents through IVF with time off for appointments and flexible working arrangements. They also provide miscarriage leave and hybrid working options.
• Phoenix Group: Offers 26 weeks of full pay and £15,000 towards BUPA fertility treatments.
• University of Liverpool: A leader in inclusivity, they provide fostering leave and fertility treatment support for both partners, recognising the diverse needs of modern families.

As Harriet Morton-Liddle, co-founder of Nugget Savings, points out: "It can feel like there is a never-ending stream of bad news for working parents. This list demonstrates the positive change afoot in the working world for parents."

Why this matters now

In a climate where birth rates are falling and the cost of living is rising, these policies are more crucial than ever. Flexible working, fertility support, and enhanced parental leave packages are becoming key priorities for families. Companies offering these benefits are not only supporting their employees but are also setting an example for others to follow.

Whether you're planning a family or already navigating parenthood, these companies are proof that there’s hope for a brighter, more supportive working future.

If you're searching for a workplace that values parenthood as much as you do, this list is a great place to start. With companies offering generous benefits and a commitment to work-life balance, it’s a step towards a more inclusive and family-friendly work culture.

Read more: 

• How to manage your finances for maternity leave: 4 tips from a money expert
• Schools enhance maternity pay to keep female teachers in the classroom
• 11 of the best maternity winter coats – tried and tested

'I think I was about 9 weeks when I started wearing some maternity bits, mainly jeans," MrsKP told us.

And Snugglenush said: "I went in to work in maternity trousers at 10 weeks - just for the comfort of it!"

If you are kitting yourself out in the early stages of pregnancy, though, maternity clothes may seem HUGE - but try not to buy too small: you could even use a small pillow when trying on clothes to get an idea of what you’ll look like in your third trimester.

Opt for clothing with design extras like

• drawstrings
• elasticated bust and belly areas
• adjustable waistbands

- that will all give you extra room when you start to fill out. (Our best pregnancy and maternity fashion ranges guide is a great start, by the way).

Also consider more flexible fabrics like cotton jersey or a bit of spandex, as you'll find it'll give your maternity wardrobe a longer shelf life.

Clever maternity fashion tricks

• Don't try and squeeze your blossoming shape into your non-maternity clothes. They might look like they'll fit, but once your tummy starts to swell, the more flattering of looks will be those that accommodate your growing baby bump... and legs, arms and boobs!
• During the early months of your pregnancy, you will experience slight weight gain and your abdomen will swell slightly, therefore your normal clothes may still work. However, it's best to start thinking about investing in some maternity staples - like jeans, trousers and maybe skirts - because your normal clothing might start to feel a little snug.
• You might discover that you don't need to buy maternity clothes at all! The season's fashion is always changing, but with trends such as the multi-seasonal maxi-dress, maxi-skirts, tunics, mannish tailoring and layered knits, you might find that you can still wear these styles in non-maternity sizes.

• However, maternity jeans and trousers are a big must-have. Your waistband is one of the most obvious, and rapid, areas to grow so keeping comfy in trousers or jeans is a no brainer. Choose styles with soft (and stretchy) waistbands either over or under the belly. Choose wide leg if you have swollen ankles or boot cut to flatter a blossoming bottom! There are loads to choose from - just check out our maternity jeans fashion special!
• Opt for stretch materials as they are quite versatile and may even be able to be worn after you've had your baby. You can always style it with a belt to cinch it where it matters post-baby!
• Plan your wardrobe carefully. Pick up items you can mix and match as much as possible - you can do this by choosing neutral, classic and staple items that can be teamed with other pieces from your wardrobe. This will make you feel and look like you have more outfits than you actually do.
• Don't forget your underwear! Bras and knickers will definitely start to pinch when you begin to blossom, so invest in some maternity styles as soon as you start feeling your undergarments getting tight. There is a wealth of beautiful maternity styles. It's really important to be fitted and measured regularly, too. Many places offer a free fitting service, so don't avoid it thinking you can't afford it.

Are maternity fashion sizes different to pre-pregnancy sizes?

When you come to buy your maternity clothes (around the second trimester, but everyone is different and it varies from woman to woman) get them in your pre-pregnancy size rather than a few sizes larger. Maternity clothes are specifically designed to give you extra room where you need it and are adjustable.

Footwear in pregnancy

Pregnancy doesn't just swell your tummy. Your feet might start to grow or ache, so you may want to think about buying new shoes, especially comfy ones. Opt for flat shoes that give your arches support, soft lined boots that support your ankles or if you refuse to let pregnancy take you out of your heels, look for mid-heel style.

Maternity fashion must-haves

A special dress

With your body shape changing from day to day, it's important to stay in high spirits to boost your self-confidence.

This is why, as well as your everyday staples, it's important to have that special dress or outfit to keep you feeling and looking fabulous. Topshop Maternity offer stylish and funky maternity dresses, as do ASOS Maternity.

Leggings, jeggings or maternity tights

These can be worn under dresses, tunics, long t-shirts, blouses - pretty much with anything and everything! The best styles are those with a soft waistband and enough stretch in the leg to keep you moving with ease. Try Next for leggings.

If you're still at work or like to cover you legs, Daylong offer loads of different styles of maternity tights to keep you circulation flowing and your bump comfortable.

Comfortable nightwear

As you get nearer to your due date, you'll find sleeping more tricky. Your bump will get in the way of you tossing and turning, and you might find you need to go to the toilet a lot anyway.

Keep cool and comfy with loose fitting garments in soft cotton and breathable fabrics. Opt for a nightie if it's warm enough as it'll keep you feeling cool, or if you wear trouser bottoms, choose lightweight fabrics with soft elasticated waistbands.

You can find a good selection of maternity nightwear at Boohoo and Seraphine.

Well-fitted shoes

As your feet begin to swell, squeezing your feet into narrow shoes is not a great idea. Keep heels at a minimum and choose wide fitting styles from retailers like Hotter. These will help reduce swelling of the ankle, too, as less pressure will be applied to your feet. For the winter, check out SimplyBe for wide calf boots.

Good fitting trousers/jeans

A well-fitting pair of jeans or trousers will get you from day to day. When choosing the perfect pair of maternity jeans, make sure your baby bump is comfortable and well covered.

The waistbands can go over or under your bump, so decide which suits you best. The length should sit an inch below your ankle and the bottom area should feel snug, but not tight.

Check out Seraphine or H&M for a great selection of fashion-forward maternity jeans.

Read more

• Luisa Zissman's not happy about 'mumsy' maternity clothes
• 10 of the best maternity belts
• 5 of the best maternity knickers

• one parent can take the majority and the other can just take a small amount
• leave can be taken in chunks and parents can take turns
• both parents can be off work together for up to 6 months.

So how does Shared Parental Leave work for dads. John, 35, shares his experience of being the first dad at his work to take SPL, toddler groups and wee emergencies...

John O’Malley, 35, works in banking and is married to Philippa, 35, a solicitor. They have two children Eleanor, 4 and Katherine, 2

It was day one of Shared Parental Leave. I had the nappies, wipes and a bottle in a bag and was standing in the sunshine in the park with Katherine, 7 months gurgling in the buggy and Eleanor, 2, playing happily nearby. I was in sole charge for the next 2 months as my wife Philippa went back to work full time. And so far it didn’t feel too arduous.

But within 2 minutes, it was a different scene. Eleanor had fallen over and had a bloody knee. As fat tears rolled down her cheeks, I cuddled her close to my chest. Katherine meanwhile started to make it abundantly clear she would like a bottle.

“I need a wee. Daddy,” Eleanor suddenly cried.

Anyone knows that when a toddler says that, it’s not something you press pause on. I scooped her up and hot-footed it across the park towards some toilets.

But it was too late. “I’m doing a wee, Daddy,” came the next cry.

And there it was; within 3 hours of starting my stint of solo parenting my shirt was covered in blood, snot and wee. I obviously hadn’t bothered bringing spare clothes for any of us, so it was time to retreat home.

This was my reality. And I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. Except for perhaps getting a bit more organised.

Maternity Leave Round 1

When Eleanor came along Philippa had taken the full 12 months leave. I adored our little baby but I was also the classic weekend dad.

If anything I threw myself into work more knowing Philippa was the primary caregiver at home handling it. I took ‘instructions’ well but I had little appreciation of what it was really like to run the house and look after children.

The second time around Shared Parental Leave had been introduced and Philippa was keen for us to do it. She wanted me to experience solo parenting and also loved her job and didn’t want to take such a long stint off. She wanted the freedom to go back to work stress-free, on her own terms, not having to worry about the juggle.

For my part, I liked the idea but I had reservations too. It might seem old-fashioned but I worried what people might think. I didn’t know anyone else who had done it and I certainly didn’t want it to look like I wasn’t ‘serious’ about my career. Looking back it was a very closed, stiff-upper-lip attitude.

In spite of those reservations we opted for Philippa to take 8 months, I then took 2 months while she went back to work full time before Philippa took another 2 months off at the end.

I was the first person to do it at work. It was complicated to sort out but they were really supportive.

Parenting was my new job

And so there I was immersed in the reality of solo parenting. You really can't appreciate it until you've done it. Forget the 9 to 5, this was the 6 to 9 and beyond of looking after kids.

Changing nappies, making bottles, making meals; it was relentless. But it was also full of joy. Over time I found my own parenting tricks; everything from how to negotiate with a toddler to how to get them to eat vegetables. There were days when I was overwhelmed with exhaustion but there were many, many others that were full of so much fun.

While I had other female friends who were on leave, I did find it hard to build my social circle. I might have been over-sensitive but I found toddler groups cliquey, and as a dad I definitely felt like an outsider. I also didn’t meet anyone else doing the same as me.

True equals as parents

As a couple we are now so much more equal; for one I am completely in tune with the girls’ routine. I still hear other dads sometimes saying they are ‘babysitting’ their children because their wife is off doing something at the weekend and that is a far cry from our life.

We now both work full-time and share childcare responsibilities during the week; Philippa goes in late and finishes late and I go in early and finish early. Flexible working is so important to the reality of parenting.

I also got a really positive welcome when I went back to work. Several other men have now taken up the scheme. Professionally I believe the experience has made me  a more empathetic manager, not to mention patient!

I feel incredibly privileged that we took Shared Parental Leave. The opportunity to give someone you love the chance to return to work on their terms is a huge positive to society. It has made us more equal in our careers as well as parental responsibilities.

Being at home is so much more than doing the childcare. I now fully understand what it is to be the primary carer with all the tears, laughter, stress, joy, boredom and worry that brings.

Wife Philippa says...

“You never really know what parenting is like until you are solely responsible and I’m so glad John got to experience that.

I also really appreciated being able to go back to work on my terms and professionally it made a big difference to me.”

Read more

• Everything you need to know about Shared Parental Leave
• Welcome to the Dad Club
• The best Instagram dads to follow right now

Lead pic: Getty

There are many different ways you can make Shared Parental Leave work; you can take the majority and your partner takes a small chunk, or you can take it in turns, or even be off up to 6 months together. There is of course eligibility criteria and it is up to employers to decide whether to offer enhanced contractual pay.

• Find out if you'd be eligible for Shared Parental Leave and what it would mean for you both

While your immediate reaction might be that it would just mean less maternity leave for you there are growing numbers of families who are finding it a really positive experience. We asked 3 mums to tell us how Shared Parental Leave worked for them.

“It made us equals as parents”

Karine Langlois, 38, is a communications officer and is married to Simon Diesendruck, 33, an architect. They have a daughter, Vienna, 3

"When I saw a news item about Shared Parental Leave, it immediately resonated with me. Simon and I have always had a very equal relationship running the house and I wanted this to translate into caring for our child too.

“We decided I would take 7 months, then we’d overlap for a month. Then I would go back full time and he’d take another 3 months. No one at either of our workplaces had heard of it so we were definitely trailblazers.

"I did wonder how I might feel leaving my baby earlier than what felt the ‘norm’, especially when most people I knew were taking a year. And as Vienna approached 7 months I naturally felt sad; we’d got through the hardest months and just as she was getting more interesting, my turn was over. But equally I felt so secure knowing she would be at home, with her father and not strangers at a nursery.

"Thankfully the transition was smooth; I left each day knowing her routine had barely changed. As much as I missed her, I didn’t need to worry about her. Meanwhile Simon became all too aware of how hard it can be looking after a baby. His plans to spend time on leave pursuing his painting hobby were quickly parked!

"Just as I’d hoped, Shared Parental Leave has made us equals. Simon has his own ideas for routines or chores and we work as a team, learning from each other. He still has a very special connection with Vienna; we would definitely do it again if we had another baby."

“I wanted to break up my maternity leave”

Philippa O’Malley, 35, is a solicitor and married to John O’Malley, 35, who works in banking. They have 2  children - Eleanor, 4 and Katherine, 2

"My first maternity leave was 12 months, and while I loved being with Eleanor, for me it felt too long away from work. When I did go back full time, so much had changed.

“It took ages to catch up; it affects your confidence. And because I had been the one at home, the juggle of work, nursery drop-offs and life admin mostly fell on my shoulders, not John’s.

"By the time Katherine came along, Shared Parental Leave had been introduced. I liked the idea of breaking up my leave so I wasn’t away for so long. I was also keen for John to appreciate what it was like at home with small children. I opted to take 8 months, then John took 2 months while I went back to work before I took another 2 months off.

"For those middle 2 months I went to work completely stress-free. There was no manic juggle or the mental load of home life.

“I could completely concentrate knowing John was dealing with home life. I didn’t find the time away a hardship as I knew I had another 2  months of leave still to go. As for John, he said it was the hardest thing he had ever done but he really enjoyed and valued the time.

"I  really appreciated those final 2 months with the girls and enjoyed them more as a result. I wasn’t as worried about what to expect back at work and felt more in control. It made a huge difference professionally.

"If you are eligible and it makes financial sense I would recommend it; it made our lives so much easier."

“It was a wonderful feeling knowing she was with her dad”

Jenn McGarrigle, 35, is a head of marketing and married to Bertel Haugen, 35, a head of innovation. They have a daughter, Bronwen, 20 months

“I grew up in the U.S. where there is very little formal maternity leave so to discover that in the UK I could share leave with my husband was really exciting. I earn more than Bertel so it would have been tough financially for me to take the whole year off.

“Plus I’m really focused on my career so our approach was to consider parental leave as a whole, not just in the context of motherhood. We decided I would take the first 4 months, Bertel the next 3, followed by him working 3 days a week for 6 more months.

“The reality of returning to work after 4 months was really hard. The first 12 weeks of parenthood was a blur and it felt I’d only just emerged from that when it was time to go back. It was emotionally draining leaving her, but it was also a wonderful feeling knowing she was with her dad and her life was stable.

“I soon got used to the new way of life; I enjoyed being back in the thick of it at work. Knowing Bertel was at home meant I didn’t have to juggle home and work admin. I wanted Bronwen to still have breast milk so I scheduled 3 daily slots to pump and I also worked from home most Fridays.

“Bertel has always been a hands-on dad but he was pretty shocked at how full-on single parenting was. As we know, that feeling of being ‘on’ all day is like no other.

“But every day I could see their bond growing stronger and soon he was passing on parenting tips my way. There is no doubt Bronwen has thrived through having quality time with both parents.”

Read more

• 20 brilliant Instagram dads you need to follow right now
• 21 podcasts for new parents

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It can be a bit of a minefield: there's a lot to know about your maternity leave rights, and the standard maternity leave pay you're entitled to. Don't even get us started on everything there is to deal with when you're going back to work once you've had your baby.

So, let's start at the beginning.

What rights do you have before your maternity leave begins? And when should you let your boss know you're expecting?

Here's what you need to know about your pregnancy rights at work, before you head off to have your baby...

When should I tell my employer I'm pregnant?

You have to inform your employer that you are pregnant by week 25 of your pregnancy, so 15 weeks before your due date.

If you don't discover you're pregnant until after the 25-week mark, then you need to tell your employer as soon as you find out.

However, you may choose to inform your employer sooner, particularly if you’re worried your bump is showing or you’ve missed work because of pregnancy-related illness.

"I would always advise women to tell their employers after they have had their 12-week scan," says Joanna Robson, lawyer at Babylaw Solicitors.

"This is because upon such notification, you are protected from risks in the workplace and your employer will be obliged to carry out a risk assessment to identify and eliminate risks to you and your baby from your working environment.

"This may include removing heavy lifting tasks or, even in some cases, night shift working. If your employer doesn’t know you are pregnant, it becomes more difficult to eliminate risks at an early and crucial stage of your pregnancy."

How should I tell my employer I'm pregnant?

You should notify your employer about your pregnancy in person.

However, you also need to let them know that you're pregnant in writing by the end of the 25th week of your pregnancy if you wish to take maternity leave and receive statutory maternity pay (SMP), says the NCT.

The letter you send should state the date you wish to start your leave and receive pay.

You also need to prove your pregnancy in order to claim SMP (as if your bump's not enough ?). You can do this with your Mat B1 form, which will be given to you at your 20-week scan, if not a few weeks before.

Read more: Everything you need to know about your Mat B1 form

Is it true I can take paid time off for antenatal appointments?

"You are entitled to paid time off for all antenatal appointments and scans - you don’t have to take annual leave to attend appointments," says Joanna.

"You may also be entitled to paid time off to attend other classes, such as yoga or specialist pregnancy classes, provided that your GP and midwife confirms that it would be in the best interests of the health of you and your unborn child."

Your paid time off for antenatal classes also includes travel/waiting time, says Maternity Action's senior legal officer Katie Wood.

"You should try to minimise disruption at work but you may have little control over the day or time of your appointments," she explains.

"Your employer cannot ask you to take annual leave or to do extra work to make up for your time off."

Can I take paid time off to do extra, non-essential pregnancy classes?

Not really, no. It has to be classes recommended by the medical professionals looking after you. As Katie explains:

"The right to paid time off covers antenatal care that is recommended by your medical practitioners such as your midwife or GP.

"This will usually include your normal appointments with your midwife and scans but could also include classes if your midwife recommends it as part of your antenatal care."

Can I take sick leave if the pregnancy makes me ill?

The bad news is that you're feeling sick, but the good news is that you are entitled to be off for sickness, just like any other employee at the business.

"It depends on your employer's normal sick pay policy," explains Katie. "If your employer usually pays full sick pay, you would be entitled to receive that as normal. You should check your staff handbook or contract, if you have one.

"If not, your employer should follow their normal custom and practice. If your employer does not normally pay full sick pay you would be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay if you meet the qualifying conditions."

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

"If you are on Statutory Sick Pay in approximately weeks 18 to 26 of your pregnancy this can affect your right to Statutory Maternity Pay and you should get advice," Katie adds.

"Your employer should count pregnancy-related sickness absence separately from other sickness e.g. a cold or flu. Pregnancy-related sickness absence should not be used to disadvantage you, for example in redundancy or disciplinary proceedings."

Am I entitled to work from home if I'm sick during my pregnancy?

You're certainly allowed to ask, says Katie, especially if your sickness is made worse by something to do with your working conditions.

"If you work near strong smells [that make you feel nauseous], for example, you should notify your employer of your pregnancy in writing and ask your employer to take action to protect your health and safety.

"If your working conditions are making your pregnancy sickness worse your employer should make reasonable adjustments to your work, such as allowing you to work from home.

"If it is not possible to remove the risks by making reasonable adjustments your employer should offer you suitable alternative work and, as a last resort, suspend you on full pay.

Can I refuse to do heavy lifting at work?

When you tell your employer you're expecting, they have to carry out a risk assessment to determine if anything might be dangerous for you - so they can eliminate the risk factor.

This includes things like heavy lifting.

"If you are in a high risk working environment, it is best to tell your employer of your pregnancy sooner rather than later so that any risks can be eliminated from your working day," explains Joanna.

"Tasks, like heavy or moderate lifting, should be removed from your routine and you should be assigned light tasks instead.

"If this is not possible, your employer should agree to suspend you on full pay in certain circumstances where the work-related risks cannot be eliminated."

What are my rights around doing shifts when I'm pregnant?

"Generally speaking, a risk assessment should declare that night working is riskier than day shifts," Joanna adds.

"This is because there are often less staff available to support a pregnant employee during a night shift compared to day shifts, when support is more readily available.

"The test of whether night work should be eliminated as part of a pregnancy risk assessment depends on what type of work you are undertaking and the level of support available."

Read more:

• How much maternity leave are you taking?
• What's a MATB1 form and where do I get one?
• How do I deal with my 'perfect' maternity cover?

While some women in the early stages of pregnancy won't look or feel too different, many more will - so hopefully these pregnancy-masking items will help keep things on the down low until you're ready to talk...

P.S. Congratulations ?

1. Drinks that can be disguised as alcohol

Why this? A sure fire giveaway that you're expecting is suddenly becoming a bit shy when it comes to work drinks, or shunning a trip to the pub with friends.

If you're in someone's home, why not drink grape juice, which can easily be passed off as wine? Shloer has a refreshing range of sparkling juices that look like prosecco or fizzy rosé.

Alternatively, you can go for another one of our tried-and-tested alternatives for wine, gin, beer, and even cocktails.

Or if you're out and about, discreetly ask the person working behind the bar to serve you a small coke or a lemonade in a spirit glass.

What it costs: Shloer is available from most major supermarkets, costing around £1 - £2 per 750ml bottle

2. Wear a maternity band to hide a growing bump

Why these? Although you're only a few weeks pregnant, your bump could well be becoming quite visible, especially if you have a petite frame. A maternity or 'bump band' is a good way of smoothing over your bump so it it doesn't stick out under your clothes.

Wearing looser clothing is also an option. But if you usually wear your clothes a bit more fitted, your change of style might become noticeable.

What it costs: £17 for 3 jersey maternity bands in pink, white and black, from ASOS

3. Natural facial scrubs to refresh your skin

Why these? With a sudden change in hormone levels, some women find that pregnancy makes their skin look tired or worse, they break out in spots.

Refresh your face with a cleanser or facial scrub with natural ingredients, such as this Tea Tree foaming cleanser from The Body Shop or Burt's Bees anti-blemish facial scrub, which is completely natural and vegan.

What it costs: Tea Tree Foaming Cleanser, £6, from The Body Shop, and Anti-Blemish Pore Refining Scrub, £11.49, from Burt's Bees

4. Add a pop of colour to your cheeks

Why this? We've all heard of pregnant women experiencing a 'glow' in their complexion - but what about the ladies who are constantly shattered and always throwing up? They tend to look a bit less glowly, and a bit more pale and washed out.

Using a rouge, such as this one from legendary make-up brand Bobbi Brown, on your cheeks and lips will put a bit of colour in your face. It can easily slot in your bag, too.

What it costs: Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks, £21, available in 10 shades

5. Drink plenty of water

Why this? This is a given in everyday life but especially so when you're having a baby.

Constantly throwing up in the early weeks of pregnancy can leave you feeling very dehydrated. This makes you lose a lot of water, which can in turn bring on headaches and even more nausea.

And the best thing about this pregnancy-hiding hack is it's free ?

6. Replace your tea and coffee with caffeine-free alternatives

Why this? Shunning coffee every time someone offers you a drink at work will send alarm bells ringing if you're someone with a 5-cup-a-day habit.

And while a little bit of coffee is safe to drink during pregnancy, you could replace your regular afternoon drinks with a caffeine-free version.

You could even replace coffee or English Breakfast tea with a herbal flavour. We like peppermit, as it could help to quell any sicky feelings.

(Remember that raspberry leaf tea (not raspberry flavoured tea) is not recommended before 34 weeks of pregnancy, and that green tea still contains caffeine.)

What it costs: We love Tea Pigs Peppermint Tea, which is £3.99 a box of 15 tea bags, from most supermarkets

7. Keep nausea at bay with ginger

Why these? More than 80% of women experience morning sickness in their first 12 weeks of pregnancy and this can be very difficult to conceal if you're constantly running to the loo at work.

Ginger is said to help reduce nausea and, in our opinion, the best way to take it is in biscuit form!

Make your own or pick up a pack of ginger snaps at your local shop. Now, if only we had such a great excuse to scoff chocolate digestives...

What it costs: Fox's Ginger Crinkles and Nairn's Oats and Stem Ginger Biscuit Breaks are available from most UK supermarkets, prices vary

8. Acupressure to ease morning sickness

Why this? If you're suffering from morning sickness these rather cool accupressure wristbands are worth a try.

Wear them under a long-sleeved top and no one will ever know! The theory is they work by pressing down on your pressure points, which control sickness and dizziness.

What it costs: £8.59 per pack, from The Sea-Band

9. Buy an unscented fabric conditioner

Why this? During early pregnancy you may find that your sense of smell is heightened, meaning strong smells can trigger sickness.

Our washing detergents and fabric conditioners usually come with a strong fragrance to give clothes that fresh smell, but it can become overpowering if you're sat in them all day.

Try a non bio washing detergent such as Fairy Non Bio and Ecover Non Bio, which have more natural muted scents or a fragrance-free product such as Surcare.

What it costs: Fairy, Ecover and Surcare are available at most major retailers, prices vary

10. Keep some plain crackers in your bag

Why these? And lastly, it's so important to carry on eating even if you feel sick, as not doing so could inadvertently make you feel even more.

A supply of plain crackers to nibble on slowly throughout the day is a good way to keep sickness at bay.

We like these crackers from Jacobs because they're a classic, so no one will wonder why you've suddenly got a bag full of 'em...

What it costs: Prices vary, from major UK supermarkets

Read more:

• How to hide your pregnancy during the first 12 weeks
• Mum advice on working while pregnant
• Is pasteurised cheese safe in pregnancy?

And so, when my husband and I decided to start trying for a baby in August, neither of us had factored in that, by December, I'd be pregnant. We'd just imagined it'd take longer.

But there it was. And there was I – working in a well-paid but temporary job. And, with a freelancing husband who works from home, when it came to getting a mortgage to upgrade to something a bit more baby-friendly than our 1-bedroom apartment, we were told by every bank we visited than least one of us had to have a permanent job if we wanted to secure any kind of loan.

And so I started looking. As anyone who's ever looked for a job knows, it can feel like a full-time job in itself – tough when you've got an actual full-time job. Even tougher when you're feeling a bit queasy. Add to that the panic I felt about the massive life change we were about to go through – and that the bigger I got, the more time was running out to get something – and it was a bit of a hectic situation.

Luckily for me, I had an AMAZING boss who knew my situation, got it totally (no, she wasn't a mum herself at the time) and kept an eye out for roles for me.

Eek! The interviews!

And, then, I was offered an interview. And I got a 2nd interview.

By this time, I was nearly 6 months pregnant. My bump was sizeable but I didn't want it to show for the interview. Was I deliberately hiding it? Yes.

Why? Because I really felt I was perfect for the job and was worried that a massive baby bump would be a huge distraction in the interview room, and would instantly discount me.

So, for both interviews, I wore a dress that tied at the top (like the one above) and that flowed loosely over my bump and thighs, with trousers (not done up!) underneath.

And, both times, I was careful not to rub my belly (I was very much at the belly-rubbing stage...).

Coming clean

I had a feeling things had gone well and, when I got the call to say I'd been offered the job, I was delighted. I'd already talked my tactic through with my husband: if offered the job, I was going to say thank you very much and I'd think about it.

Then I'd work out how to tell them I'd be leaving in just a couple of months to have a baby.

When I was ready, I rang and said I'd love to accept the role. Then straightaway, I followed up by telling my boss-to-be I was 6 months pregnant. Just like that.

"Congratulations!" he said, without missing a beat.

Within a few weeks, I started and had nothing but well wishes from my new colleagues. I did hear whispers that one member of staff had asked why I'd been hired when I was so pregnant but, other than that, everyone was fantastic.

Cover was put in place for my maternity, and I worked there for 2 months before going on leave for 9 months.

(There might have been a bit of kickback karma in that I finished work on a Friday, 3 weeks before my due date, but my waters broke a mere 2 days later and I had my little girl at 12.39am on the Monday, the first day of my actual maternity leave and 21 whole days earlier than expected ?)

I sent my colleagues a pic of my new baby (pictured above) on the Tuesday morning.

I went on to have 3 more happy years at the company, and am still great friends with the boss who hired me.

But would I do the same again? I'm not so sure I would.

Now that I look back, it does feel kind of brazen, but I was simply spurred on by the fact we needed a new house for our baby and, I must admit, I had tunnel vision on it.

What do you think?

Would you / have you hidden your bump to get a job or for any other reason? Tell us in the comments below or over on Facebook

Read more

• The bump photo that proves all women carry differently
• Pregnant woman 'flaunts' bump? Enough already!
• The one thing you're allowed to say to a pregnant woman

“A big change in your life, such as becoming a parent, makes you re-evaluate your priorities in life and think about what you really want to do with your career,” says Paul Lancaster, Web Development Executive at Shell LiveWIRE and dad of 2-year-old toddler Jake.

So where should you start?

The most important part about starting your own business is the idea, so take some time planning before doing anything else.

• Match your skills to your passions

Focus your idea around all your skills, talents and hobbies. Most people start their own business by taking their income and their hobby and combining them.

• Talk to as many people as possible

Grab some free advice from your friends and family, visit your local council, who usually have a specific department that try and help businesses start up in their area, and arrange a meeting with a professional business adviser. The more feedback you get, the better business you’ll be able to create in the long run

• Does he know his paternity rights?
• 25 ways to a healthy bump
• Top tips for pregnancy and labour

• Read everything

There’s a lot of good literature out there providing advice on starting your business so use it! Go to your local library or bookshop and ask for the self-employment section

• Write a business plan

Paul stresses that your business plan doesn’t have to be a massive book, but just the answers to the following questions:

1. “What is the business?”
2. “Who am I?”
3. “How will I bring money in?”

“Try and do your planning when you’re still in your job, because if you know you’ve got time off coming up and you’re going to be paid while on maternity leave, then you’ll have some free time. Depending, of course, on how easy-going your baby is!” says Paul.

What are the benefits to becoming self-employed?

• Freedom to choose what you do As the number one decision-maker, anything goes. Remember, this is your chance to make your mark on the world.
• Flexibility to choose where you work From home, in an office or abroad – it’s up to you!
• Flexibility to choose your hours Balancing your own business with young kids? Want a long holiday? Need to take a day or two off for pregnancy check-ups? Self-employment allows you to work around both, and the ability to be on call if there’s ever an emergency.

Are there any disadvantages to being self-employed?

There are, of course, good sides and bad sides to everything – including self-employment:

• Lack of monthly wage
• Long hours, especially at the beginning
• May be tiring balancing home life and work life
• Can be lonely working on your own if you’re used to a big team

“It can be quite scary to start your own business if you are a person who is used to being employed and receiving a set pay cheque at the end of each month. However, it can also be very liberating, knowing that you can potentially do whatever you like. I’m a big believer in anything’s possible if you put your mind to it,” says Paul.

Do you have to quit your job to be self-employed?

No. However, be careful about choosing a product or business idea similar to the job you're already in.

If you are in effect competing with your own company, then you definitely need to speak to your employer as soon as possible. Tell them what you’re thinking of doing and say, “This is what I’d like to do” and “This is why it’s not going to be a conflict of interest” just so it’s clear.

As long as you do that in the early days, hopefully you can come to an agreement and then there should be no confusion over your plans.

Is it a good idea to go into business with your partner or best friend?

Think about what skills a partner would bring to the table. If you’re really good at the communication side of things, then a partner who’s really good at managing money may be a good asset to have on your team.

If you do decide on a partnership, whether it’s with your other half or a friend, work together at every stage, from choosing your idea to writing your business plan.

Where can you get funding from?

Like many things, starting a business needs money and how much funding you need will depend on what type of business you’re setting up.

“Plan your business first, but keep in mind funding. Do you have savings? Are you going to get a loan from the bank? These are the questions you need to be able to answer,” explains Paul.

Think outside the box too. Some companies, such as Shell LiveWIRE, offer monthly award programmes for new start-ups, with prizes of up to £10,000.

So you’ve got your idea and your business plan, what’s next?

You need to register as self-employed with the HM Revenue within three months of trading.

For further information on self-employment and maternity leave benefits, DirectGov is a good place to start.