What am I going to DO on maternity leave?!

Is it terrible to admit I think I’m going to be bored?

Maternity leave may provide a much needed rest before the sleep-deprived chaos that comes with the arrival of a new baby, but what if you’re used to always being on the go? How can you avoid going stir crazy?

Next week is my last week at work before I go on maternity leave. I’ll be 38 weeks along, so I might not have long to wait, but even that short break leaves me wondering how I’m going to keep myself entertained. Is it terrible to admit I think I’m going to be bored?

Being the slightly obsessive person that I am – and with my nesting instinct kicking in – I’ve made a ‘boredom avoidance’ list, and here’s what’s on it:

1. Read a bit of inspiring fluff – I’ve bought a copy of I Don’t Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson and I’m planning to use one of JD’s full days at nursery to read that in one sitting – my favourite way to read fiction.
2. Get a handle on the sleep challenge – I ended up co-sleeping with JD and he ruled the first three months of our lives together. This time I’d like a better a handle on things, so I’ve invested in The No-Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley.
3. Do some last minute baby prep – We’ve got all the kit we need (cot, nappies etc) but the house could be organised better, so I’ll be folding blankets, setting up a changing drawer and generally making things nice while I still have time.
4. Attempt some pampering – A few of my close friends and family have been very sweet and bought me some ‘mum to be’ pampering kits, so I will attempt some chilling time (although I’m not very good at relaxing!)
5. Cook, cook, cook – I know from last time that there will be zero time to cook healthy meals from scratch, so I’m working my way through my recipe collection and getting as many meals into the freezer as I can.
6. Mess about online – Ok, ok, I won’t be online too much when I’m supposed to be resting, but I am looking forward to keeping this blog updated, reading lots of other blogs and chatting with all my lovely online friends.

Hmm, perhaps I won’t be bored after all!

(This post was written in response to the Brit Mums blogging prompt “If I wouldn’t be judged harshly, I would say ________ out loud.”)

Thanks for reading. Please comment, share or subscribe to have future posts delivered to your inbox.