pregnancy

Maternity Leave Stigma

Women take maternity leave to bond with their child and recover from childbirth, and any related complications, without fear of losing their job, benefits, company seniority, and so forth, which are protected under the Family Medical Leave Act. These protections, however, are not able to sever the stigma that many women find is still attached to taking maternity leave.

Though it is against the law to not hire or to fire someone who can perform the basic functions of the job just because she is pregnant or on maternity leave, the reality remains that many women in the workforce are treated unfairly after revealing news of their pregnancy or going on maternity leave.

Maternity Leave Stigma

 

While working mothers are able to take maternity leave and are protected against job loss, their careers may be impacted by the stigma around actually taking maternity leave. Many women who take maternity leave report being treated differently at work upon their return. For instance, close relationships with colleagues become distant and strained, or clients and projects that were closely managed prior to maternity leave are reassigned and not returned.

 

Due to the stigma around taking maternity leave, some working mothers do not take the 12 weeks of maternity leave that is allotted by law. Many return to work early and report feeling pressured not to take more time off.

 

What You Can Do

 

Returning to work after maternity leave is a time of high stress for most parents. While many are excited to return to work, they are concerned about childcare options, nursing, being away from their child for long hours, and several other issues. The stigma around maternity leave creates even more stress for returning mothers as there is often a sense of not knowing what to expect.

 

Some companies offer great support to new mothers returning from maternity leave, including flexible hours, telecommuting, and other benefits. If this is not the case at your company, or you aren’t sure whether or not it is, speak to your direct manager or a Human Resource representative about what options may be available to you. While you may not be able to change the stigma around maternity leave, taking an active step toward open communication with your employer may be of help. Below is a list of topics that serve as an example of points you can discuss.

 

 

Maternity Leave Points of Discussion:

 

• Is it possible to have a transition back to work? Begin working a few days a week and working back up to five?
• Is telecommuting an option? If so, how frequently?
• Is there flexibility in the hours I am expected to be in the office?
• Is there flexibility in avoiding scheduling meetings early in the morning or late in the afternoon?
• Is there a private space with an outlet so that I can pump?
• What level of communication should I maintain with the office while on leave?

 

For many women, taking maternity leave and returning from leave are both exciting and stressful times. While some company cultures still maintain a stigma around taking maternity leave, the trend is changing and many companies do offer support to new mothers returning to work. There are also some things that you can do ahead of time to help set up work expectations while you are on leave and as you return.

 

Want to talk to a counselor today about this? 

Call us at 800-453-7733 and ask for your “Free 15 Minute Phone Consultation" with one of our licensed counselors. We’ll listen, answer questions you may have, and help you plan next steps.

 

Sources:

https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/know-your-pregnancy-rights

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/working-life/art-20045470

 

Dealing With Pregnancy at Work

Being pregnant at work can add extra responsibilities and considerations to an already busy day. As the body works overtime to help the baby develop, it is important to take notice of how to stay rested, healthy, comfortable, and safe. 

Staying Comfortable

Common pregnancy issues such as fatigue, swelling, and nausea don’t take a break just because you are at work. In order to continue working through a pregnancy, the first step is to speak with a doctor to learn about any specific concerns or issues to be aware of. Every pregnancy is different, but most women can continue working as long as they make some modifications.

• If nausea is a primary concern, have ginger ale, ginger candy, or ginger tea on hand. It can also be wise to avoid staying in the cafeteria or break room for too long, since certain smells can make nausea worse. Many doctors also suggest eating small meals every two hours, to help aid in digestion. Bland snacks are best, such as crackers, pretzels, or cereal, but listen to your body and what it can tolerate; it is likely that your comfort foods may change periodically.
• If you feel fatigued, you can consider prioritizing and cutting down on the activities that are not high on your list. It is important to get adequate rest, so going to bed early, as well as resting while you are awake, will help you get through the workday. Eating foods high in iron and protein can also help. While at work, drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks.
• To prevent swelling, practice sitting with good posture, in a chair with lower back support. If you sit for most of the day, get up frequently to walk around, even if it is just to the water fountain and back. Some jobs require standing for long periods of time; if this is the case, make sure to have comfortable shoes with good support, and try propping one foot up at a time, and alternating feet.

Avoiding Hazards

When pregnant, your body can be more susceptible to certain hazards. It is smart to speak with your doctor as well as whoever directs health and safety at your workplace, to learn about what changes you should take to keep you and your baby safe. For a more complete list of hazards, check out www.cdc.gov and search for The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and pregnancy in the workplace.  

• Proper PPE at Work – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is one of the most important safety precautions while on the job. Examples include gloves, goggles, ear protection, and protective clothing. As your metabolism and body changes, it may be necessary to upgrade or change out what types of PPE you are utilizing. Some gloves only provide minimal protection from chemicals and some respirators may make it too hard to breathe while pregnant. If you have questions, make sure to ask.
• Preventing Take Home Exposure – Some chemicals or other substances may travel home with you or a loved one and can still be dangerous. To prevent contaminating your home with substances such as pesticides, lead, or anything else brought home from the job, practice these habits:
  • Keep soiled clothes at work, separate from clean clothes that get worn home, or have a spot at home that is reserved for dirty work clothes.
  • Take shoes off outside house.
  • Wash hands and/or shower before leaving work, or do so immediately when you get home.
• Decrease Chance of Injury – Pregnancy causes changes in balance and flexibility, increasing chances for falls and sprains. Utilize proper lifting form every time you have to lift something by bending your legs, keeping the load close to your body, and avoiding twisting. Get up slowly and pay attention to how steady you feel.
• Decrease Chance of Illness – Immune systems also change during pregnancy, making you more susceptible to getting sick. Wash hands often, stay hydrated, keep a healthy diet, and avoid people and places where illness is present, as much as possible.

Pregnant Rights

Workplace discrimination and harassment does happen to women who are pregnant, but is illegal thanks to the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.  This act helps to make sure that pregnant women are guaranteed equal treatment and a woman’s pregnancy cannot legally influence factors such as hiring, firing, pay, and benefits. Women who are pregnant and unable to work can, in some cases, be treated the same as any other employee with a disability. This might include work assigning less demanding tasks, or giving short-term leave. In some cases  (depending on the size of the employer and how long the employee has been with the employer) a woman might qualify for the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) which would allow for 12 weeks of leave (paid or unpaid, based on what employee has earned). To learn more about pregnancy rights, search for “pregnancy rights” on the websites for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission  www.eeoc.gov or the U.S. Department of Labor www.dol.gov.

 

Want to talk to a counselor today about this? 

Call us at 800-453-7733 and ask for your “Free 15 Minute Phone Consultation" with one of our licensed counselors. We’ll listen, answer questions you may have, and help you plan next steps.

 

Sources

• https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/know-your-pregnancy-rights
• https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/pregnancy.cfm
• http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20047441
• https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/repro/pregnancy.html