workin’ it

Filed Under Pregnancy and Birthing, Tips & Tricks | May 13, 2010

Pregnancy and work don’t necessarily go hand in hand.  Sometimes you just want to lie in bed and wait for the baby to arrive, but if you’re going to keep your bouncing baby in bibs and burp cloths, you’ll need to bring home the bacon until your maternity leave begins.  But when do you tell people?  How do you tell people?  And how do you stay connected when you’re at home with your baby?

Here are a few tips to help you work it out:

Before you let the baby out of the bag

  • Move the buttons on your pants, invest in a Bella Band, or use a hair elastic to keep the waistband of your pants closed.
  • Sit by the door in meetings so if you have to sprint to the bathroom, it won’t be as conspicuous.
  • Every time you take a trip to the ladies’, come up with another reason for leaving your desk-drop something off at someone’s desk, use the photocopier or replenish your stapler so it is not so obvious that you are beating a path to the loo.

Breaking the news

Depending on your situation at work, it’s usually a good idea to wait to break the news until after your first trimester when the risk of miscarriage decreases.  When you decide that the time is right to bust out the belly bump publicly, make sure that you tell your boss first so she doesn’t hear it through the office grapevine.  Sit down with her formally and tell her when you are due and what your plans are to get your work covered, when you want to start your maternity leave and when you are thinking of returning.  It shows that you are committed to your job and will continue to be committed throughout your pregnancy.

Leaving it all behind

Once you leave, if you are afraid of feeling left out, ask a coworker to copy you on important emails that you can read on your own time and make sure that you are involved in staff functions.  Keep on top on what is happening in your industry to help you feel connected.  Keep realistic expectations however, after all you may not want to look at your computer once your baby comes.

Most importantly, remember it is your right to keep working during your pregnancy as long as you are able to perform the essential duties of your job!  For more information on benefits and your pregnancy, and returning from maternity leave, rights at work, check out Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

 

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