We Just Had Our 6th Loss…

And it knocked me down hard.

It got me thinking about pregnant and recovering women in the workplace. Specifically regarding the support women receive from their organizations and leaders. And, the opportunity for leaders to be empathetic role models for their employees.

Why? Let’s break it down.

I AM STILL IN RECOVERY. It has been a four-month journey.

This pregnancy took a major toll on my body. The hormones stirred up in pregnancy can literally change a woman in the blink of an eye.

I experienced a full month of difficult, physical trauma from extreme nausea, fatigue, heartburn, painful itching feet, headaches, abdominal pain, weight gain, and not to mention several days of mental fatigue.

I had to have surgery. I experienced loss.

And now, due to the pregnancy, inactivity, surgery, and other factors, I need to be checked for blood clots.

This post is not for pity, but for AWARENESS AND ACTION.

I didn’t know how many women suffered from miscarriages until I had one of my own. It happens to more women than you think (although I just learned that over two is very rare).

Pregnancy and miscarriage are personal, yes, but there is much to be learned and communicated about the experiences, especially if you are a leader who is interested in caring about your employees and their well-being.

If I was in a position where I was expected to be back in an office during this journey, I’m not sure what I would have done. I am grateful to have a home office and for being able to put my health first and in whatever fashion is best for me.

Women should feel safe and empowered to share their journey with their employer and their boss. They should feel supported and confident that they can take the time they need to care for their child or themselves, and recover, without worrying about judgments, retaliation, etc.

And, organizations should be equipped, as well as equip their leaders with the tools, resources, and plans to support their pregnant and recovering employees.

Instead of, “Let me know how I can support you”, the narrative should be, “This is how I can support you, and let me know what else you need…”.

And this doesn’t even touch the post-partum topic or the importance of paternity leave for men to support their family appropriately.

Can leaders be more empathetic towards a pregnant woman’s journey and be more aware of the possible ailments so they can fully support their women team members?

I am grateful for the tools, support, and environment that has helped me through this journey. But every woman’s experience is different.

While this post is about awareness and empathy for women in their pregnancy or miscarriage journeys, I encourage you to share your beliefs and/or your experiences with organizations and leaders being empathic and supportive of their pregnant/recovering employees.

What is being done well and where can we improve?

#empathicleadership
#pregnancyintheworkplace
#whatcanimprove