Don't listen to everyone they are stupid.

1) get someone you trust to register a business (partner, family, etc).

2) create a podcast documenting your life as a new mom + trying to make money on the stock market.

3) invest 50% of your mat leave in the market, day trading (buy dip sell high) while just using Twitter to get free professional advice. It's very easy to make $200 a day (55k a year before taxes). You can play the market yourself in A TFSA as well.

4) also talk about things you're good at on your podcast to help others

5) by the time you are expected to go back to work you may have made more money on the market + have a huge following on twitter.

6) even if you don't "win", you took a risk and most people look up to a woman who takes risks. The worst case scenario is you get a better understanding of how to manage your money .

7) pick up a new creative hobby while you're off and document that on your podcast as well

When you put it in RSPS you have to pay back eventually.

Good luck!