Posts: 1
11/10/09 7:46 P

Good for you,that u quit,you should'nt have to put up with that....Enjoy every minute of your pregnancy...And Congrats on your Baby BoY!!!!

Posts: 640
11/9/09 1:19 P

Deva, you can still go on interviews and by all means show confidence! Who knows, maybe they'll be looking for someone in the future or maybe they wouldn't have a problem with your pregnancy/maternity leave... Obviously you shouldn't expect too much :) but you might be pleasantly surprised.

I think at least some employers must realize that employing a parent is much more secure and guarantees them a motivated worker, since they will do their best to keep their job to be able to take care of their kids.

Posts: 1
11/9/09 8:55 A

Ha - I wish it was as easy to decide when to tell my boss... I'm military, and as soon as you get a positive test from the medical clinic, they tell your boss (fetal protection program requires it in case I come up for deployment or have a risky job).

I'm blessed to have a VERY understanding boss though, and I decided to tell him before the clinic did. He laughed when I told him that he knew before my mother. Honestly, he's more excited and accepting than she will probably be...

For those who are pregnant and looking for a job, remember that you CANNOT be discriminated against and kept from getting a job just because you're pregnant. So smile, BE PROUD!!!, and go show yourself as the great hardworking person that you are! I wish you all the best!

Edited by: MOMMAKTOBE at: 11/9/2009 (08:56)

Posts: 1
11/9/09 1:09 A

I don't think there's an easy answer for this question. Have you thought about looking for a work from home type of job for now? I wish you the best.

Posts: 1982
11/6/09 4:45 P

I am 29 weeks and looking for a job.. Laied off from my last job and no one knew I was pregnant at the time.

I am terrified to go on interviews because I am so huge and obviously pregnant.. There is no way I can hide this and have to let them know upfront that I will need time off in 2 months..

How's that? Just when you think your situation is bad, you run into someone who has it worse..

Posts: 1982
11/6/09 4:44 P

I am 29 weeks and looking for a job.. Laied off from my last job and no one knew I was pregnant at the time.

I am terrified to go on interviews because I am so huge and obviously pregnant.. There is no way I can hide this and have to let them know upfront that I will need time off in 2 months..

How's that? Just when you think your situation is bad, you run into someone who has it worse..

Posts: 1
11/5/09 6:27 P

My boss has been out sick so I sent him an email. I have bathroom duty at a high school (smoking kids) and the bathroom always smells. We don't have enough staff to keep someone standing in the girls' bathroom all the time! So I emailed him and asked what he wanted me to do about it since I am now 6 weeks pregnant. I told everyone after I did 3 home preg tests. I knew the blood test would say the same...especially after no cycle this month :D I am not good at keepign secrets.

BabyPoints: 396
Posts: 50
11/5/09 2:57 P

My boss is a male and he has 3 children, so he should have an idea of what a pregnant woman goes through, lol. I am still a bit nervous or unsure about telling any of my coworkers. I have been a bit snippy and moody so I may want to tell them sooner or later. Being nauseous most of the day doesn't help either.

We haven't told the family yet. I have a picture of the sonogram so Hubby and I plan on only telling my parents this weekend. Then telling everyone else over Thanksgiving dinner. That's most likely when I will tell my boss and co workers. I will have reach about 12 weeks at this point.

Edited by: BABYTKM at: 11/5/2009 (14:59)

Posts: 66
11/5/09 1:01 P

Haven't gotten there yet, but when I do get pregnant, I plan to wait until I'm safely out of the 1st trimester before spilling the beans.

But I'm a lucky one too it seems - my firm is full of women - many of them moms. So our firm is super flexible with work schedules and supportive of moms. People in my industry usually try to "time" their pregnancies to avoid being out during tax season, but shoot - I'm way past that. I don't care when the hell it happens! :-)

Posts: 10
11/2/09 6:16 P

LUVARACER - I understand why you are not telling your current employer. I wish you all the best in getting the new job. Good for you for being able to score a job while expecting.

My boss has been avoiding me since I shared the news with her. I only work in her office one day a week, but she has been making it very difficult for me to get closure on issues. Her entire behavior has changed toward me. I wish I worked for a more understanding organization and worked for a more understanding boss. It's really sad when you call your boss a "she" and the response is so negative.

That being said, I wish you all the best!

Posts: 21
11/2/09 4:30 P

Planning to wait for the end of first trimester, but folks are aware that hubs and I are interested in a family (we're pretty newly married). And timing of due date is good - its during down time at the office. So not seeing it as a big deal, just a minor hassle. Its harder not saying anything during the day with the news so fresh and upfront in my thoughts!

Posts: 2
10/28/09 7:16 A

With this being my first child, I was a little nervous about telling my boss. My original plan was to wait until the end of the first trimester to tell her. Unfortunately, not everything goes as plan. I had to miss a few days of work because of morning sickness and every time she and I would talk, she would always ask me if I was feeling well. So the third time I had to call in sick, I spoke with her and told her why. Which was a good thing because less than a week later, I had to be admitted to the hospital for dehydration and excessive vomiting. I was diagnosed with hyperemesis.

She was really supportive of the entire situation. She told me the health of myself and child was more important than the job and do what I needed to do to get better. She checks to make sure I'm feeling ok and that if I need to rest during the work day she is fine with that. I'm really fortunate.

Posts: 3685
10/27/09 1:02 P

I have not told my boss yet. I don't particularly care for this job much and am in the process of scoring a new job (long story, but the new job is put on hold because of a contracting dispute). I have already told the guy who gave me my first interview (told him today to find out about maternity leave) and he suggested I not tell at my second interview which is this afternoon. He said there is no reason to have that be a variable in the decision of whether or not to hire me, even though it is illegal to do that, they still sometimes consider maternity leave as a hassle and will avoid hiring a pregnant chick over someone who is not.

Anyhow, I have not told my current boss because I don't plan on being here much longer... hopefully. I have told one person in my office and he's agreed to keep it quiet for me. I suppose if I don't start the new job as soon as I can, and I start to show or people start to wonder, I'll disclose it. But not until I absolutely have to.

I just don't like many of the people I work with and don't want their false congratulations anyway...

Posts: 558
10/27/09 6:01 A

To poster feeling sorry for those of us with challenging bosses - not sure where "here" is, but it's not legal in the US for you to be denied employment, a promotion, or to be fired because you are pregnant. It's considered a protected class related to sex under the employment non-discrimination laws.

Harassment due to sex - which includes pregnancy because only women can be pregnant - is not legal. That doesn't stop bosses and co-workers from being jerks.

Posts: 55
10/26/09 9:21 P

Just found out today that two other ladies are pregnant in the office...both 4-5 weeks and both have already told my boss. Now I am a little nervous because I am waiting until I am 12 weeks. With only 16 staff, 3 out at the same time will stressful for my boss!

Posts: 55
10/24/09 3:16 P

I have the same boss with this pregnancy as I did with my first so I am not really scared to tell her but I like to wait until 12 weeks so that I am out of the morning sickness.

Posts: 5711
10/22/09 9:10 A

So makes me gald that they can not fier you here if you are prego, no matter what. Not even if you steal (well aprainlty, didn't want to try it) WE have so many laws in place if you are prego, like not lifting more then a few kgs, no over time. You are alowed a brake when ever, and they need to provide a bed or a resting place for you. (working in a hotel that wasn't hard for them)

I am so sorry it is so hard for you all. I told the kitchion chef when i was around 8 weeks, then the emplment deparment about a week later. Hope it all goes well for you all.

Posts: 558
10/22/09 5:59 A

I told my boss at about 12 weeks - but she already suspected because I had to go to two dr's appointments by then and I called out sick one day. So it was either pregnancy or something bad, and she was hoping for pregnancy.

She was super supportive - we worked out a plan for covering my work while I'm out, and she was able to use my leave to get a part-time hire for our department (who will be staying on even after I go back in two weeks).

I haven't discussed the pumping thing with her - I'm not really worried as I have my own office and am pretty responsible with managing my breaks.

Posts: 6
10/21/09 12:52 P

I have not told my boss yet. I just started this job on 9/21, and it's a temporary position anyway, but if they have funding for it next year, I would still have to interview for my position! The good thing about it is I am due in late May, so I would really not miss much "work" as it is a school district position.

Posts: 120
10/20/09 5:56 P

We just moved & I'm in the process of interviewing now. I'm hoping to get settled into the job & possibly being able to wait till close to 16wks before letting them know. But we'll see what the environment is like. At least I'll be in loose fitting winter clothes then. Everything was set w/ my last job w/ plenty of time off available & they knew we were wanting to start a family soon & were super supportive. Finger crossed!

Posts: 19
10/19/09 10:35 P

I'm not even preggo yet and I'm already worried about telling my boss. He barely lets me take a lunch without needing something from me. How's he going to manage for 6, 8 or more weeks without me? I'm the only women on a staff of 4 managers and I'm afraid one of the guys is going to get the next promotion because of this. . .ugh

Posts: 27
10/19/09 7:30 P

It's really too bad that we still live in a time where pregnancy (even with the changes to ADAAA and FMLA) are met with such aversion and that we seriously dread telling our bosses. I was mortified to tell mine. Ever since then, it seemed like he took a different attitude toward me and even at one point told me he needed me to be more "energetic" at work and as soon as I went to my first doctor's appointment presented me with my FMLA paperwork when there are other people that are due any day and have not received theirs. (They work in our retail sector and I work in the Corp HR Office...) Although that's completely legal that they count my time out of work for appointments, it just put me off a little. It's just so sad that we are still treated with such inequality in the workplace- especially while pregnant!!! I'm not saying I want to be treated like a queen or anything, but I want to be treated equally by my boss when everyone else in the office treats me with respect and like an equal!

Motha2bee- I don't know where you live, how long you've been at your job, etc...but it you're not aware, under FMLA in the US, if your employer employs more than 50 ppl in a 75 mile radius and you've been with them for 1yr+, you are entitled to up to 12 weeks of leave- this does not have to be paid, but they do have to keep your job open for you (or an equal job with equal pay, benefits, etc... If you have been with your employer for more than 1yr and they employ the 50 ppl within 75 miles, definitely check with your HR department about what your options are. If you legitimately cannot perform your main job duties and they cannot offer you modified work, then you may have to go out on disability. Again, check with your HR dept cause they would have all the info you need. If you want/need more info on FMLA check out the Dept of Labor website: http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla/

Also, they can't let you go because you are pregnant, that would be discrimination under EEOC!!! They can, however, find something else, like fiscal reasons to let you go :( Info on that can be found at: http://www.eeoc.gov/types/pregnanc
y.html


Hope it works out for you! (And for all you other ladies having a hard time with your bosses!!!)

Edited by: TIFFYROSE at: 10/19/2009 (19:49)

BabyPoints: 568
Posts: 33
10/19/09 7:07 P

Unfortunately, the moment I told my boss about my pregnancy, her attitude towards me changed. She was no longer tolerant of my shortcomings, and was pushing me towards quitting my job. Every few days, she'd demoralise me by saying if I can't take care of my health while working, then why work.

And so I quit. Really couldnt handle all that stress amidst pregnancy.

Posts: 147
10/19/09 5:00 P

Wow I am sorry for you ladies that got a bad response. My boss is a really close friend so I told her right away. I think she knew something was up anyway.
The people I am dreading telling are my parents. They are going to be upset. They think I should just stick with having one.
His family was thrilled though. I need to quit stalling lol.

Posts: 3
10/19/09 3:01 P

I avoided telling my manager up until my 2nd doctors appointment. I am worried about losing my job since I work for an outsourcing company and they fire to hire people they can pay less. Even though I didn't want to I knew I had to since we don't get sick, vacation or discretionary days off and I have a lot of doctor appointments coming up. Hardheartedly his response was for me to get a letter from my doctor saying I'm High Risk and go out on disability then maternity leave. I couldn't believe it! Not only did he confirm my worst fear but he made me feel like less of a person. I'm looking for a new job anyway. Only thing is who will hire someone who's going right back out on maternity leave in less than six months?

Posts: 143
10/16/09 6:44 P

oh i FINALLY got it over with but only time will tell how it'll effect everything...

my boss seemed ok ... although when i showed him my calendar with my time off marked up he seemed ... idon't know but he said 'are you sure you don't want to come back 'here' instead' (pointing to a month or 2 before i planned to come back) i just ignored that cuz he said it more jokingly anyways and obviously i wasn't going to.

then he told me that the stuff i've been working on he was already thinking of giving to somebody else so i could start working on this other thing (timing of which will probably coincide w/ my leaving) so now that might not work out. but who knows stuff always gets delayed and i don't even know how i feel about what he was planning for me before all this... but whatever.