How to make the most of your maternity leave and pay (and really enjoy it!)

Try to give yourself some downtime between leaving work and the baby’s arrival.

Ideally, you’ll have finished your baby shopping and can concentrate on the important things like sleeping, reading and watching Mad Men – those simple pleasures that are soon to become precious luxuries.

Oh and triple checking you’ve packed your hospital bag.

Prepare for birth with light exercise such as antenatal yoga. Once your baby’s here, long walks will boost your energy levels and help blitz your baby weight.

Pushing the pram is a great upper body workout, too.

Baby signing classes teach you and your baby to communicate, using hand gestures.

Your baby will be able to control his hands long before his vocal cords. Baby signing means he can let you know just what he wants before he can talk.

It’s also thought to reduce a baby’s frustration at not being able to tell you what they want and help to develop language skills. Plus, how much fun is it to have a secret code with your baby?

Many cinemas run special baby cinema screenings for new mums and babies.

You might not catch much of the film, but you can take a couple of hours out, scoff popcorn, get your Hollywood eye-candy fix and breastfeed in public without fear of being judged.

Tired of public meltdowns? Take it in turns with your mum mates, to host your own private Stay & Play groups.

Throw a couple of rugs or play mats down and scatter some toys around for the babies, lay on some refreshment for the mums. Then, at the end, gather round for a little sing-song. And yes, Beyonce tracks do count.

Research what mother and baby activities are available in your area. For activities that must be block booked as a course, ask if you can do a trial session before committing – and let your baby be the judge!

Classes can cost from around £4, but some activities and play groups are free. Check out your nearest council-funded children’s centre.

Forget Facebook and Homes Under The Hammer – use your baby’s nap times do something constructive.

Whether it’s writing that novel, researching your amazing business idea or teaching yourself how to knit, maternity leave is the perfect time to let your creative juices flow.

Branch out from the normal mother and baby groups. There are plenty of places you can visitthat can be just as stimulating for your baby – and you.

Check your local listings for child-friendly museums, parks, city farms, boat trips and zoos. This is the life…

Sitting on the sofa while your baby plays with his toys can become a bit repetitive.

So cover the furniture and get stuck in with some messy play. Make your own play dough, get creative with finger painting or splash around with a bowl of soapy water. Engaging with your baby will help you to bond, too.

Why? Because a) you can and b) you deserve it!