having baby at work

saratiffphoto · December 2014

Have any of you gone into labor at work? specifically night shift? I work 12 hr night shifts I am trying to work up until she gets here but I work alone and im so afraid I am going to go into labor while I am here. I technically cant leave have to wait for a relief and my boss is aware of this. How do I not panic? Should I just go ahead and take my maternity leave at 37 or 38 weeks instead of 40?

Stephij1 · December 2014

I went into labor while I was at work and it ended up being no big deal. Chances are that you'll have plenty of time for your replacement to get there.

beccs88 · December 2014

I would take leave. I know of a few ftms that delivered in 6-8hrs.

AlfiesMOM · December 2014

I did but it was during the day. I just called my hubby and he came and got me. It actually wasn't very dramatic at all!

MusicFanatic · December 2014

I have friends/family that have started laboring at work and then left. I even have a closer friend who was working while her water broke. But they were allowed/able to leave immediately. If you have to wait for relief because you're the only there, that would unsettle me more. But how long does relief typically come? If you're talking an hour.. ok. If you're talking several hours+, I would be more nervous.

soon2bejp · December 2014

It depends... How long would it take a replacement to get there? Do you work near your hospital?

bustysinclare · December 2014

I'm trying to work up until my due date also. I have a spare pair of pants and a tee in car in case my water breaks. With my first I was on bed rest for a month prior to induction so I am immensely grateful there is nothing scary so far this pregancy but man, I wish I was home already!

letsgox · December 2014

I'm working til the end. But I kind of hope I go I to labor at work since it's where I'll be having the baby. I've already told my mom, dad and H where I park every day and I keep my hospital bag in my car *just in case*. It's wishful thinking, but I'm prepared.

atrinh11 · December 2014

Your situation is unique. If anything starts happening, is there someone you can call who would be there quickly? It all depends on all the circumstances in your situation.

For me, I would prefer to go into labor at work. Our hospital is walking distance from here. I can see it out my window. From home, it is about a 10 mile drive. It would just save me trouble to go from work to the hospital, but I can also leave as soon as I need to.

Also, not sure about your plans for leave, but remember, any time you take before baby comes still comes out of your total FMLA time alottment. That is why most of us end up working until we go into labor. We want that time with baby.

jjstrickler · December 2014

I would honestly not worry about it. Labor is a long process for most women. You should have some contractions and as they become regular and frequent you'll have time to decide if or when you should call for a replacement.

peggels24 · December 2014

jjstrickler said:

I would honestly not worry about it. Labor is a long process for most women. You should have some contractions and as they become regular and frequent you'll have time to decide if or when you should call for a replacement.

The important word in this sentence is "most" - you never know. There are women who have fast labor even with the first child so I would definitely make sure that there is some sort of plan in place especially if you are alone.

mom2case · January 2015

I would be worried about being the only one there. My "first labor" was lightning fast. As in, 1st contraction happened at 9:15 am and baby was born at 11:04 am. She would have been born sooner had she not been breech. However, I was 4cm for weeks before labor so the doctor had a feeling that when it happened, it would be FAST. As long as you aren't very dilated at this point, I would assume labor would take a minimum of 6 hours which is plenty of time for a replacement to come take over and for you to get to the hospital.

britb618 · January 2015

If your boss is aware of your circumstances then he should know if you go into labor your just going to leave. I would make him aware that if your water breaks your not going to wait for a replacement so he can decide to maybe have someone work with you the last few weeks- I'm sure you'll be fine bc most people do have longer than an hour between labor starting and delivery but as other pps have said some do go quick so having a plan in place is important and obviously hospital distance would be a factor for me. But keep in mind you can always call 911 and emts as well as police are trained to deliver (fingers crossed that's all precautionary though and you will have plenty of time to get the birth experience you want)

BookitBoo · January 2015

Talk to your boss. He should be understanding about having to leave, and if he or your replacement aren't there in a timely manner, you can leave and lock up and he/they can open when they get there.

Maybe point out they don't want you having the baby there, since they'd have to clean up after you and baby are finally able togo

snowbaby1214 · January 2015

Could you discuss working half-shifts with your boss until the baby arrives? I would be comfortable working 6 hours 'til the end but not 12.

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