Everything related to pregnancy can be a challenge to woman, especially if it is the first born. All is new and a bit of a scary world. The woman’s life changes completely, and every detail must be thought and planed.
As human beings, we all have flaws and no one is made of iron, so for that reason, here is a guide to help all the future mommies to prepare for the maternity leave.
From six to three months before the due date, there are a few steps that should be considered in your work.
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Telling your boss or work responsible
It is not new that pregnant women like to keep it a secret before the first trimester. After this period of time, it is good to start to tell people at your work, mainly your boss, that you are expecting a baby. This leaves you more time to prepare an effective plan for your leave and doesn’t leave your boss in panic to find alternatives for your absence.
Showing in your working place that you care about how the responsibilities will be spread and how much you want all to go smooth and handled professional will be a plus to your career attitude. Asking your supervisor what the main concerns about your time are, since you will be away from the working place, is also a good suggestion to make clear you are involved in finding solutions.
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Finding a day care
It is not soon to start finding a kindergarten or day care to your kid. Usually, some living areas have the day care centers full and guaranteeing your baby’s place is a must!
By taking the time to find the best day care during this trimester, you can spend the whole maternity leave focused only on your newborn.
Two months before the due date
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Creating a timeline for departure
Reunite with your boss and create a plan of how and when things need to be accomplished. Check together if an action plan can be created so things go smoothly during your leave. It is certain to have a more positive outcome when you have a plan for what will happen before, during and later upon your return.
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Relying on documents
Create notes and guideline documents to outline the systems you use and all of your daily tasks. This will be a major help for whoever will come to replace you within the next months. Guidance is always a plus and keeping track of how things are done during your leave.
One month before the due date
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Meeting the people who are taking your place
Meeting the people who are taking your responsibilities it is important in a way that they will take care of your job. Guide them, train them and advise them so the best results are achieved. Supervise them while they take tasks on their own, so they feel confident in the future to take all the work.
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Open the possibility of your replacement contacting you while you are home
Take the time to plan how can your replacement people contact you during your leave. Also, discuss what kind of issue would be important enough for someone to contact you while you are out.
If there are still meetings or events you would still like to be involved in while you are on the maternity leave, you should previously discuss the matter. Maybe there is the chance you can participate by phone, video conference or some other ways.
You can also ask your boss or work responsible if taking your child to work is an option. Some workplaces are adapting to having mother’s and even father’s bringing their babies to work. Do you know that even baseball teams high ranked in the odds to win the World Series, like the Red Sox and the White Sox, allow athletes to bring their children to work? Of course, you should see if your child is cooperative and if he or she doesn’t get startled by your workplace – it also depends what is your occupation. Anyway, give it a thought if you think it is a possibility.
Right before the maternity leave
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Take action towards your absence
Set up a clear stated ‘out of the office’ answer for your emails and business voicemail. On these, clarify who they can contact instead of you and when is expected for you to be back. In case of you needing to access your work while you are away, create and learn about the company’s remote login process.
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Thank people
While you are away, your boss and co-workers will take an important part related to your absence. It is important to acknowledge their flexibility and show them some appreciation. For everyone involved, showing gratitude is something that has no price, so just do it.
After, you can take all of your time without worries and focusing 100 percent on your baby and yourself.
