Fear Factor: Navigating The Top Concerns of Pregnant Professionals
How You Can Show Support For Your Pregnant Colleague And Help Ease Her Stress
When you take the time to build your career and develop a rapport with your company as the eager, “go to” colleague who commits every waking moment to the company's success, it can be daunting when a life-changing moment like pregnancy disrupts our otherwise stable routine. How will everyone react? Will I lose out on opportunities? What kind of stigma does pregnancy carry in the workplace? How will I balance my work/life schedules? These are among the million questions wracking a woman’s brain when she thinks of the road ahead and believe it or not, as her colleague and confidant who can most accurately empathize with her situation, she will turn to you for answers, as well as emotional and mental support.
What Are The Most Common Issues and Fears Affecting Pregnant Women At Work?
First, let’s consider what type of issues may arise for her so you are better prepared with a helpful solution.
Maternity Leave: How long? Is it paid or unpaid? How to submit documentation for it? When to start her leave?
Return schedule flexibility: Is the company flexible when it comes to a schedule conducive to caring for a child (and yourself), including sickness, doctor appointments, the dreaded calls from daycare, and other unforeseen circumstances?
Private area for pumping: Does the company offer a private room for pumping her breastmilk and the necessary “breaks” to do so (most women need to pump every 2-3 hours)? Also, do they offer an area for storing/refrigerating the milk?
Does the company offer childcare: Some companies have in-house daycare programs provided for employees, while some work closely with locations that offer discounts to employees.
Remote work: Does the company allow for an opportunity to work remotely a day or two a week, if necessary?
Pregnancy discrimination: Discrimination based on pregnancy is against the law according to the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (Title VII) which protects discrimination based on current, past, or potential pregnancies, and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) which requires employers to provide “reasonable accommodations” to an employee's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related disability. However, it’s a fear for most women because many companies straddle the line between what’s deemed discrimination. This could include being passed up for promotions, assignments, or other advancements in the workplace.
How To Support Your Colleague During Pregnancy and After Birth
The best support you can offer is to have the answers to the questions before she even thinks to ask them. Or provide a solution to a problem she hasn’t had yet (but inevitably will). What would you want to know if you were in her shoes? It can be incredibly taxing searching for answers to all your questions and sometimes you feel you are being led around in circles with no end in sight.
Do the research: Help her by researching company policies and practices regarding Maternity Leave, as well as what to expect when returning from leave. Provide the documentation she needs to streamline the process and take some heavy burdens off her plate.
Advocate for her: Sometimes it’s hard for a pregnant woman to speak up for herself (even harder if she’s not even present to do so). So she needs friends to advocate for her fair treatment and deserving position in the company. If you feel she is being discriminated against or unfairly stereotyped, be her voice and demand equal opportunity.
Flexible schedules: Determine if the company offers a potential for remote work or a modified schedule upon return (including time and location accommodations for pumping).
Do more research (are we sensing a theme?): Find top-rated daycares in the area with a range of prices so she can make an informed decision. Some programs may work directly with a company to offer discounts and direct payment withdrawals from paychecks.
Give a gift: When all the boring (but necessary) tasks are complete, remind her to take time to celebrate! It is an incredible and fleeting moment in her life after all. Let her know it’s okay to slow down and take a moment for herself. A thoughtful maternity leave gift box with all she needs to embrace this experience and know she has the support she needs to make it through is absolutely priceless (especially in times of overwhelming uncertainty).
Gift Ideas for a Pregnant Coworker
curated pregnancy & postpartum gift boxes
Curate-Your-Own Gift Box
customize your corporate baby gift basket
If a lot of employees at your company are growing their families, why not customize your very own corporate baby gift box and include your company logo? Contact us to start brainstorming a bespoke baby gift that keeps your company top of mind during maternity (and paternity) leave!
