The first trimester of pregnancy is an exciting yet challenging time, especially for working moms. Between the fatigue, nausea, and the emotional rollercoaster, balancing work responsibilities with the demands of early pregnancy can feel overwhelming. I’m here to share my personal experience, offer some practical tips, and highlight the legal protections available to pregnant workers. My First Trimester Struggles A few months ago I found out we are expecting our second baby which is such a joyous occasion, but man I was quickly reminded of the struggles of being pregnant. This time around I honestly was more sick and nauseous which I didn’t think was possible because I threw up…
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Intro Navigating maternity leave can feel like solving a complex puzzle with ever-changing pieces. As a mother-to-be, you have many options depending on state laws and employer benefits. Understanding the different types of leave available, such as FMLA, disability, and bonding, is crucial in creating a comprehensive plan for your time away from work. Let’s decode your maternity leave bucket and explore your available options. Exploring Your Maternity Leave Options Embarking on the journey to motherhood introduces a new world of responsibilities and decisions, and among these is determining the best maternity leave plan for you and your little one. The landscape of maternity leave comprises various options, each with…
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While pregnant, I was at a job where I was not supported, and my potential was being wasted, so I looked for another job. Some people may say that’s not a good idea, but I couldn’t stomach the thought of dreading going to work every day, especially after having a baby. It was in my best interest to look for other opportunities. There are many factors to consider if you search for a job while pregnant, so let’s dive into my experience and what advice I think is beneficial if you find yourself in a similar situation. My Journey I had just started my first full-time job when I found…
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Honestly, I am someone who doesn’t enjoy pumping, but as a mom, I do what I need for my baby. I spend time pumping at work and sometimes need to pump while traveling. I had to travel to work and want to share my experience and tips with you. I hope my knowledge and experience can empower you, making you feel more at ease if you have to take your pumping on the go. My Travel Pumping Experience My work trip involved traveling on an airplane and visiting various work locations. First, I looked up the airports I was flying in and out of and checked where they had nursing…
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A Working Moms Daily Battle As Monday morning rolled around this week, I was filled with overwhelming sadness, knowing I would have to work and only see my baby girl for a few hours each day. The thing is, I would love to be a stay-at-home mom, but that just isn’t in the cards for me right now. I am the main breadwinner, and my family absolutely needs my income, so no matter how much I want to scoop up my baby and snuggle her all morning, I simply must get up and get moving. This sentiment may resonate with other moms; today, it feels difficult for most families to…
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Introduction: The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a vital federal law in the United States that provides job-protected leave to eligible employees for specific family and medical reasons. This fact sheet outlines information about FMLA, focusing on benefits for working moms. *Disclaimer this document is not legal or employment advice, simply educational. Your leave eligibility will be determined by your employer
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Introduction The journey into motherhood is momentous, it’s filled with joy and excitement. However, for many women in the United States, the experience is marred by inadequate maternity leave policies that leave them feeling unsupported and overwhelmed. I have a friend who was working at a small company while pregnant. As she was trying to plan for the arrival of her previous baby, her employer was searching for her replacement and had her job replaced as soon as she went into labor. This story is not unique and is a challenge many women in our communities face, this is why we need to talk about the inadequacies of maternity leave…