Hobby ideas for maternity leave

Hi, im in a similar position (signed off until mat leave starts but not due til 24th jan!) Im slowly trying to try and declutter my house at the moment, literally going through every cupboard etc 😂 also trying to prep for xmas, then im going to batch cook and fill the freezer for when ive had baby. None of those are actual hobbies but they definitely fill time!

Actual hobbies I mostly read, I remember trying to learn to knit when pregnant with my first thinking id make her a nice blanket but I was terrible at it 😂

hey, I’m the same I’ve been signed off and my mat leave officially starts Christmas Eve and I was just thinking that’s an awful long time to be bored🤣 I started on babies room at the weekend decluttering and tip runs but I’m so organised I don’t think it will take long haha!

I love reading but also don’t want to be sat down doing nothing to much due to my pelvic girdle pain😩 I thought about knitting but know I’d be god awful at it🤣

Think I may try and re organise the house a bit to make it more baby proof and make room for her bits that I need! It’s a start to curing my Boredom anyway🤣

I knitted a blanket for my baby and it was so therapeutic and relaxing - kinda sad im finished it now 😅🙈

Not much of a hobby but i plan to spend the weeks im on MAT leave cleaning/organising each room of my house ready for baby - and of course slotting in christmas decorating too xx

I'm in the same boat. I'm currently washing the bath tubs, blankets, and towels. Doing my budget for baby shopping. Reading books. Watch loads of baby stuff( bathing, breastfeeding). Doing my course online. Small money making surveys. Cooking desserts. Learning to knead letters so I can make going home outfit personalized.

I would recommend swimming if you can, it’s the best feeling ever all the weight of the bump just lifts and it’s a great all round exercise if you manage a little

I hope you don’t mind me asking but what’s the cause of being signed off / starting mat leave early? Glad you’re all feeling good and taking up hobbies though! Thanks

@Sophie @Kirsty same here! Due 14th Jan but baby will be here before Christmas as my waters have already gone, and im signed off. I'm doing the same as Sophie, proper house clean, declutter, hospital bag sorted and baby clothes washed. Trying to get Christmas sorted ASAP!

I didnt get signed off but I took early maternity leave as I just wanted to relax and not worry about work while waiting for baby 😅. Sometimes it's boring but what I'm finding helpful its I'm taking some online free courses to keep my brain active- nothing too intensive and only for a couple of hours a day it breaks up the day.

I also have an online volunteer job that transcribes old letters that I can dip into when I want.

I also find having a routine of some sorts its helping 😅 x

Thank you so much ladies!! Will definitely be trying some of these! Will already be cleaning the house and getting bits sorted cause I have officially started nesting🤣 I’d like to keep as active and stimulated as my body will allow me and definitely make the most of my relaxing time before she’s here!

no of course I don’t mind you asking! I’ve been signed off due to pelvic girdle pain which I’m suffering with quite bad! Due to the nature of my job it’s not something I’ll be able to ease being there so they have told me to go off early and take exercising at my own pace rather than being constantly on my feet☺️

I plan on making things for little one for the future. Some ideas I have so far are painting little wooden blocks so she has personalised alphabet/number blocks, making felt puppets, knitted baby blankets.

aw that is such an amazing idea! Definitely makes toys much more personal! I may look into that and see what ideas I can come up with, thank you🥰

I’m glad I saw this post! I’ve been signed off from today until my mat leave starts mid December and I’m also already worrying about how I’m going to keep myself occupied.

I’ve got her nursery to finish and her clothes to wash, but besides that I was trying to think of a craft to do… I’d like to make her something though that she can keep. I toyed with the idea of decorating for Christmas but my partner has put me on a strict ban until December 😞

honestly I’m exactly the same! I have all the little bits to do but just know it won’t keep me going all the way through and really don’t want want to start getting bored and restless🤣

I usually start Christmas decorating in November cause I go mad for it but my partner is the same and put me on a ban, it’s all the loft and I can’t get to it so will have to wait🤣

im also signed off due to pelvic girdle.. frustrating that you have all this time and want to do things but hard as the body doesn’t physically allow you to do as much as you would like. I’ve been off since October and will be until Matt leave starts December 28th