I used up all my ML and extended with NPL, till my LO reaches 9mo. My reason was look after my baby as she’s too young for ifc. It’s a privilege to be able to do so and I’m very thankful. No reason is too silly as long as you believe in it.
yes it is counted by weeks. so 16 weeks. and yes, it is valid reason. i am planning to apply for npl too. at least till my LO is 6 months. you can do it and it is valid reason :)