Is there any working mothers here? This is my first pregnancy and I am a engineer in manufacturing. This means I work long hours, stressful job, with a lot of guys. Being an only woman in the group anytime I have "woman" troubles the general attitude is to suck it up. It's too soon for me to tell them I'm pregnant but I've started noticing the treatment is getting worse. I am looked down on now that I'm so tired all the time - I can't take as many breaks as I would like (although I am sleeping in the car during my lunch breaks) and with the crazy hours I don't always to get to eat as much as I should during the day to stay healthy. I'm just wondering if there's any working mom's out there that have tips to handle stress, work in breaks and snacks during the day?
Re: Working Mother
If not, I agree about telling your boss early. Some guys who are jerks about everything else can soften to the idea of a pregnant woman. It is no guarantee but it is the one time that sexism in the workplace can work to our benefit.
If things do not improve, or they get worse, talk to a lawyer who practices employment law as soon as possible. Do not wait for things to get unbearable. The first time something happens that even smells like it might be discrimination, get a lawyer immediately. S/he can help you document everything and make sure that you know what to do at every step. Also sometimes a strongly worded letter from a lawyer can nip problems on the bud. If it doesn't, you know you need to get a new job and/or take legal action.
I'm a physical therapist and worked until the day I went into labor last time but towards the end I did not take patients that needed a lot of physical assistance. I'm in management this pregnancy so it's more admin work than last time but I have already told my director and will tell the staff therapists soon so they understand if I don't feel comfortable with certain patients. You gotta take care of yourself and baby!
My two girls Flower and Ayla Faye
i am so dizzy, i perform and look awful and thats why i had to tell my boss i was pregnant (5w5d). he sd to change my mindset and it wasnt bc of my pregnancy i had a poor demonstration. i flat out told him hes wrong. it was. shut up!