AMAV VICDOC SUMMER 2023 - Magazine - Page 52
I am
transitioning
to parenthood
—
We need to support
each other at various
life stages, whether this
be caring for others or
caring for ourselves
––
THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU NEED
—
Think about what has changed in your situation
and the implications these changes might have
on how you work. For example, in a transition to
parenthood there are specific things that may
need accommodation, for example:
» Attending medical appointments
» Needing more rest times or short breaks
» Time off for sudden, unexpected events
Think about what changes might be helpful and
supportive for your needs now, even though
these may change over time.
DECIDE ON WHAT TO COMMUNICATE
AND SHARE WITH COLLEAGUES
—
Private and sensitive information can feel hard
to share. Not all colleagues and workplaces may
be supportive. Navigating lack of knowledge
and stigma around pregnancy
and family is still very real.
Thinking about what you want to tell others
is about creating and managing boundaries.
For example, “Do I need to tell my boss why I
have medical appointments?” Perhaps it feels
right to simply say, “For health reasons I need
to attend a few extra appointments this month.”
This is personal and there is no right answer.
Think about what you are comfortable sharing
and find the right words to share and manage
these boundaries.
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FIND AND PRACTICE THE RIGHT
LANGUAGE TO USE
—
Think about who you might share with, along
with when and why. Building literacy for your
situation is important. This transition is a new
place, and we are usually not adept at talking
about these things at work. It can feel difficult
and even inappropriate for some people.
Some workplaces might still not be good at
these conversations either — so it might be
challenging. Individuals beginning this transition
can feel vulnerable for many reasons. It can feel
immensely vulnerable being pregnant or trying
to be pregnant, and there can be difficult and
confronting stereotypes around women, family
and career. Figuring out who you will share
your information with, when and why can be a
positive first step.
BUILDING NETWORKS OF SUPPORT
—
While you might not share everything straight
away, sharing something with one or two
colleagues who you trust provides powerful
support at work. So, think carefully about
your colleagues. Who do you trust to share
something this personal? Who can support you
— as a role model, mentor or ally? Who would
be willing to support navigating a period of
leave and more flexible work arrangements —
especially if this is not well accepted in
your workplace?
Support outside of work is also helpful —
friends, family, online groups and forums. It can
be supportive to hear and share stories with
others in similar situations. This is especially
true in the event of trauma. The coming of
children is usually assumed as a time of joy but
sometimes these events can also be traumatic
or challenging. It can be helpful to be with and
talk to people who have been in the same place,
as difficult as that is.