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I started a new job recently and I love it and want to display dedication to my work. My spouse and I are also hoping to start a family soon.

I have several related questions:

  • Would it be worth it to wait several months so that I'm there for a certain period of time before taking maternity leave?
  • How difficult is it to work through morning sickness and pregnancy?
  • How would my boss and coworkers be likely to react of I were to get pregnant soon after starting?

update

I've looked at the rules in my workplace and with FMLA on taking leave and if I want the benefits offered I'll need to have worked a full year before going on maternity leave, which would mean for benefits I could pregnant as early as the 4th month in.

We also have a small conference room designated as the "mother's room" for breastfeeding.

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Another question is: "How hard is it to go back to work after maternity leave?" :) – Benjol Jun 5 '12 at 5:46
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trust me ( and anyone with kids ) there is no such thing as a good time to start a family, you just do it and deal with it if that is what you want to do. Employment isn't guaranteed, nothing is stable in todays environment. – Jarrod Roberson Jul 17 '12 at 15:00

1 Answer

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If you want to qualify for federally protected time off, there are certain requirements you must meet, like the number of hours worked before eligibility kicks in. For me, this would be a prime consideration before becoming pregnant.

It is difficult to work at your peak performance with morning sickness during pregnancy. I kept snacks and nausea medicine with me at all times, and once I told my boss I was pregnant, it made it less hilarious that I had to use the restroom hourly (or more!).

I think the reaction of your co-workers and boss are entirely dependent on the relationship you've built with them at work. Do they trust you? Do they know that you will continue to work 100% despite this new life change?

For more information about FMLA: http://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/

Another consideration is breastfeeding - do you plan to pump at work? It's helpful to have this discussion with your boss at the end of your pregnancy before going on leave, especially if you don't have a private office.

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Thank you for the thoughtful response! As far as breastfeeding goes, luckily we already have a small conference room designated as the "mother's room". I've looked at the rules in my workplace and with FMLA on taking leave and if I want the benefits offered I'll need to have worked a full year before going on maternity leave, which would mean for benefits I could pregnant as early as the 4th month in. I guess I'll gauge the strength of my relationships with my boss and coworkers when deciding whether I'm ready to deal with working through pregnancy. – Tech Lover in NYC Jun 5 '12 at 2:09

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