Supermum: Pregnant and working
You may never realize the strength of mothers until you become one. They are the so called weaker vessels whose essence and input in every home is indisposable. It is enough that they offer unpaid services for the benefit of other members of the family. And it is more than enough that many engage in vocational/professional/business enterprises even while a baby grows inside them.
The combinational task of motherhood and working is not a jolly ride yet many excel in it. We may wonder, how do they achieve this feat? Here are 9 survival strategies from 9 supermums whose 9 months journey to child delivery has encompassed work and productivity or are successfully shuttling work with pregnancy
》Good nutrition is as important as breath
Mama Adesokan; a middle aged level 12 teacher at a Federal Government owned secondary school professes:
“I have had 4 children in the course of this profession. I guess my most prized survival tactic while pregnant and teaching is good nutrition. However early I needed to go to work, I ate earlier. Teaching involves a lot of talking, so I made it a duty to stay hydrated as I refreshed my throats after every class. To combat salivating, I munch on carrots like rabbits. Short and Long breaks weren’t meant for students alone, I order fruit packs from the cafeteria and I was always able to eat the foods as I escaped the stress and ‘smell’ encountered in the course of preparation. My energy level was always at optimum level and I never had the course to be queried or pardoned for indolence.”
》Safety first! Safety first!
“As soon as I realized I was expecting, I made formal notification to the Laboratory Supervisor. I took extra care to prevent exposure to chemicals. And my Safety Director ensured certain works were not assigned to me and that I never stood for more than two hours. Baby is doing fine, I am in the right frame of mind, work is ongoing, salary is up to date and I know I’m gonna miss my work as I prepare for maternity leave.”
Sarah Richards, laboratory attendant at a teaching hospital submits.
》Substituting work as exercise.
Omone Edoho, a new mother of a beautiful baby girl claims:
“While pregnant with Angela, I was ready to pop the bump at my office (laughs). I love my work and dread the 24 hours stay at home experience. As an Engineer at the Ministry of Environment, going on site survey and project monitoring afforded me the opportunity to stretch my legs and wear off boredom. I was literally forced at 36th week to commence my mat leave. The stages of labour and delivery of Angela was 2 hours. My Doctor-husband said my activeness played a great role in the easy delivery.”
》Colleagues to the rescue
When asked how she was able maintain composure and survive the long hours of sitting, Hadiza; 28 years old mother of twins and cashier at a popular supermarket has this to say:
“At the initial stage, I frequented the rest room so much I almost thought of resigning. Okon; fellow cashier next to my desk understood my predicament. Customers who should be attended to by the two of us lined up at his desk. His dexterity and friendliness is marvelous as no customer ever had the cause to complain of being on the queue longer than necessary. Then, there was Christie who I implored to take the morning shift while I come in for the evening; my countenance and composure was better at evenings. She agreed without raising an eyebrow. They were my saving grace.”
》Maternity Leave is cool
Mrs. Badmus; banker and mother of two has this to say about the essence of maternity leave.
“It’s the best privilege a working mum can be granted. If men who never have to deal with swollen feet or carry a bump in a suit need their annual leave, why won’t we deserve it? Maternity leave gives me a break from the usual, I get to see and handle money in another perspective, shopping for baby is well done and I get to indulge in nesting…let’s say diligence and commitment made working while pregnant possible but the maternity leave made me survive the latter days of pregnancy .”
》Everyone needs an assistant
Fine Face is a world class salon owned by Alhaja Aishat Oredola. She shares her pregnant and working mum experience:
“I got pregnant few months after I opened my first shop. Patronage was increasing by the day but my relation with customers was becoming strange as my moods became terribly influenced. My husband suggested we employ the services of stylists. That was the best decision ever. They not only assisted in getting the work done, they were also instrumental to the growth of the enterprise as they ensured the shop was opened every day of the week. Something I couldn’t have ensured.”
》All work and no rest, makes mum a bad mum
“I know the role of rest and sleep in ensuring brain functions and general well-being. As I count down to my EDD and work 5 hours daily on the computer, my night sleep is nothing less than 7 to 8 hours. I nap as frequently as my body demands. I usually wake with a renewed vigour and I am able to perform better. So far, it’s been a beautiful experience as a pregnant web designer.”
Chioma; web designer and expecting mother confides.
》There’s no time to waste
Effective time management is one of the tactics many pregnant and working mums tag crucial to being pregnant and productive . In the words of Clara Hamzat:
“As a caregiver both at the home-front and hospital, I am able to adjust to my weekly changing shifts. By managing my time well, I am never late to work and I never get sleep deprived. I don’t indulge in leisure activities at the expense of my work.”
》Diligence rewards and hardworking pays
Ifeoma Azimi has this to say:
“My boss is a no nonsense man who wants every staff of the company to be up and doing. I take pains to do what is required of me; you know, meeting up with deadlines, participating in meetings and every other thing. It surprises my co workers when our boss permits me to go for checkups and tell me to go home if I feel too tired to return to office. I know a few hours of absence in a week would not jeopardize my administrative duties as I ensure to leave no work undone despite the pregnancy.”
