After I got married and had a baby, I thought it was time to step away from my freelance work and focus on my family. Then I got pregnant with twins. Suddenly, being a freelancer while expecting seemed awfully appealing.
I could take time off between delivering the babies and returning to the workforce full-time. Besides, working from home meant not having to worry about finding childcare for two infants at once!
Fast forward two years later, when my twins were toddlers: After a failed attempt to return to in-house work (rookie mistake), and now that both kids were in daycare for much of the week anyway, I embraced freelancing full-time again.
But as if having young twins at home wasn’t enough of a life change, I was also eight months pregnant with my third child when I made this decision!
Running a business while expecting is no easy task. Here’s how you can navigate all the ups and downs that come along with being pregnant while running your own business no matter what stage you are in your pregnancy journey.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Proper planning and balancing responsibilities are essential. |
| 2. Explore flexible options and ways to continue freelancing. |
| 3. Tips for staying creative and motivated during maternity leave. |
| 4. Consider the benefits and considerations of working from home. |
| 5. Seek support from communities and networks for a smooth transition. |
Networking Takes On A New Meaning
It’s important to remember that networking is about building relationships and being authentic and transparent. It’s also about sharing, learning, giving, and receiving it’s all these things at once!
Because of this, when you start freelancing while pregnant you’ll find it easier to connect with others.
You should feel comfortable asking for help or advice from those around you because everyone is coming together as one big community and being open to new opportunities will only enhance your experience as a freelancer.
Freelancing while on maternity leave requires careful planning and balancing responsibilities. Our article on tips for freelancing while on maternity leave provides valuable insights and practical advice to help you navigate this unique professional journey.
You’re More Motivated Than Ever
Being pregnant is a major life milestone and one that can be quite challenging at times. But it’s also an exciting time, and being a freelance writer during your pregnancy can give you plenty of opportunities to make the most of both your pregnancy and your work.
For starters, you’re likely more motivated than ever to work hard on your writing projects. After all: how many people get to write about their pregnancies?
This is an opportunity to write something unique that will probably resonate with others who are going through similar experiences in their own lives. You’ll also have plenty of time alone with your laptop (or tablet), which means more time for getting things done without distractions!
In addition: if money has been tight lately but this pregnancy brings some financial stability back into play, then now would be a great time for investing in some new tools or software that will help boost productivity levels even higher than before!
This might mean investing in things like Trello or Asana (which are both great project management systems).
Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions ($19/month each), Grammarly premium plans ($10/month), etc.- whatever makes sense given budget constraints versus how much free time there will be available during this season of life 🙂
Appreciate How Your Body Is Working For You
This is a good time to try and appreciate how your body is working for you. You might not be thrilled about all the side effects of pregnancy, but, remarkably, your body can create life, carry it and provide you with the resources needed to do so.
This is also a good opportunity to start thinking about what kind of parent you want to be and what your goals are for this new person in your life. What kinds of things do you wish for them? Do they have siblings? What kind of upbringing are their parents providing?
Shifting Hormones Mean Shifting Priorities
As you may have read in other pregnancy-related articles, hormones can be a real pain in the butt.
When I was pregnant with my daughter, I found that the shifting of those hormones made me feel more emotional than usual, more tired than usual, and more hungry than usual (though not enough to eat for two). But there was one other side effect that was a bit unexpected: nausea.
Hormones also play a role in your digestive system, so when you’re pregnant with a bun in the oven and those hormones are doing their thing, it’s no wonder why some women experience morning sickness during their first trimester.
Of course, this isn’t something everyone goes through some people sail through all nine months without issue.
But if nausea is happening to you while freelancing while pregnant or just generally feeling off-kilter because of all these changes happening to your body right now (and again I say: welcome!).
Here are some tips to keep yourself sane during these early days as you adjust both physically and mentally:
Are you wondering how you can continue freelancing while enjoying your maternity leave? Discover various ways you can freelance while on maternity leave and explore flexible options that allow you to pursue your career while embracing motherhood.
Your Schedule Will Change
The most important thing to remember is that your schedule will change. It may be the case that you work from home more often, or you might need to switch up your location. You might find yourself working at night, or on the weekend.
You may find yourself working fewer hours than usual, or more hours than usual this can be good news if you’re getting paid by the hour (or half-hour), but it can make things difficult if you’re being paid a flat fee for projects and no longer have extra time in which to complete them.
Lastly, keep in mind that this kind of flexibility may not always be possible: some clients will have deadlines and timelines they need their freelancers to meet regardless of any other factors.
Hear What People Say About Your Work Differently
When you’re expecting a baby, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the immense amount of things that need to be done before your little one arrives.
But if you’re also a freelancer working on projects and deadlines are fast approaching, it can seem impossible to stay focused on everything you have in front of you.
Also, when someone comments about the quality of your work during this period whether it’s an employer or another freelancer it may feel like more than just feedback;
It may seem like criticism from someone who doesn’t understand what it’s like being pregnant or raising a child at home (or both).
And even if they are trying their best not to come across as harsh or insensitive, sometimes people don’t realize how much harder than usual all these things might become for pregnant women.
Anticipate Some Anxiety
If you’re feeling anxious, it’s important to know that this is normal. And while you can’t control everything, there are some things you can do to help your body handle the stress of pregnancy and freelancing.
Be mindful of what may trigger an episode of anxiety for you. Is it noise? Crowds? Being alone? Figure out what makes you feel anxious and how to avoid those situations when possible.
If crowds make you anxious, consider working from home or setting up a quiet space at work where people will leave you alone (or if that’s not possible, try meditation!).
If being around your partner makes it worse, ask them to help distract with their presence and let them know that they don’t need to be quiet their voice will calm the nerves of both parents-to-be!
Always take care of yourself first by eating healthy foods (you should be doing this anyway!) as well as taking breaks throughout the day where possible so that when it does come time for bedtime yoga poses like Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward-facing dog).
Or Bhujangasana (cobra pose), which both opens up the pelvis and relieves back pain from carrying extra weight on top without compromising blood flow down below.
Because they require little effort other than breathing deeply into each breath rather than using muscles unnecessarily which could cause cramping later on down there.
Maintaining creativity during maternity leave can be a challenge for freelancers. Our article on how to stay creative while freelancing during maternity leave offers practical strategies and inspiration to help you stay innovative and motivated in your freelancing endeavors.
Stepping Back Doesn’t Mean Writing Off The Whole Project
You can still be involved in the project, just not as involved as you were before. There will likely be less writing for you to do because your editor has to focus on formatting and polishing up your words (which he or she will send back to you later).
It’s also good if there are plenty of other writers on hand who might be able to take over some of your work, but that’s not always possible or easy.
If there are no other writers readily available on hand then it might mean stepping out of the spotlight a bit more than usual but don’t worry!
Your editor will still keep in touch with you about small changes he or she would like made throughout the process; however, he or she may ask that when those small changes come along they’re sent directly through him/her instead of being shared publicly online.
This is done so as not to give away any spoilers ahead of time (and also because sometimes it’s easier for an editor just having one person handle all communication).
If this happens then make sure it doesn’t feel like too much pressure! If something seems off then speak up immediately so everyone can work together towards finding a solution that makes sense for everyone involved
Sleep Becomes Even More Important
Sleep becomes even more important. Make sure you get enough sleep and avoid staying up late. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
Sleep in a comfortable position that’s easy for you to fall asleep in, such as on your side with a pillow under your belly or on your back with one between your knees.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and stimulants like nicotine as much as possible during pregnancy they may keep you awake at night and affect the quality of your sleep.
Try to get at least 20 minutes of sunlight each day during daylight saving time (if applicable) or when it’s possible;
This helps regulate hormones throughout the body including melatonin production which controls our natural circadian rhythm the 24-hour cycle that regulates all bodily functions including sleep/wake cycles!
There’s A Lot To Balance, And It’s Okay To Ask For Help
As you can see, there’s a lot to balance when you are pregnant and working. It’s okay if it feels overwhelming; that’s why it’s important to ask for help.
You may want to ask your friends, family members, and even your employer for assistance in taking care of yourself while also taking care of work.
Finally, if none of these options work out for you or someone close by isn’t able to assist with the extra workloads that come with freelancing while pregnant? This is where having an employer comes into play!
If possible, talk with them about how best they can offer support during this period so everyone involved stays happy and healthy! And remember: having a plan should always be part of any situation involving pregnancy even more so when working as a freelancer!
Considering whether you should work from home while pregnant? Our insightful article on should you work from home while pregnant explores the benefits and considerations of working remotely during pregnancy, providing guidance for freelancers and professionals alike.
Share Your Plans With Friends And Family Members Before You Tell Clients, If Possible
Share your plans with friends and family members before you tell clients, if possible. If you’re worried about how your news will be received by clients, consider telling them after you have told your friends and family.
It can be a lot easier to manage the stress of work when you know that those closest to you are supporting your decision to freelance while pregnant.
There are different ways to tell clients about your pregnancy. The best way is face-to-face (if it’s feasible). If that isn’t an option, the phone is second best; emailing might be the last resort if neither of these options is available.
Decide Which Aspects Of The Pregnancy Are Private And Take Time To Discuss That With Clients Before The News Gets Out
When clients are considering hiring a freelancer, they want to know that they can trust you and that your work will be professional and quality-driven.
You’re probably aware that pregnancy is a private matter, but some clients may not be as comfortable with the idea of working with a pregnant woman. They may not be comfortable with the idea of working with a woman who plans to have children (or is already raising them).
In these cases, it’s up to you whether or not you want to disclose this information.
Some freelancers prefer not to share their pregnancies until after the fact simply because it keeps things simpler; others choose an earlier time frame because they feel like it’s important for everyone involved in the project.
From client down through intern level to understand what adjustments might need making throughout this period.
Be Prepared For Some Awkward Questions Or Comments From Clients Or Colleagues Around Pregnancy Or Family Planning
If you’re working as a freelancer while pregnant, it’s likely that people will ask about your pregnancy or family planning process. If your boss is understanding, he or she may even be willing to adjust the company’s policies to accommodate your needs.
However, if this isn’t possible or if you simply don’t want to talk about it you’ll need to find ways of setting boundaries with clients. In addition to being professional, here are some tips:
- Say what you mean and mean what you say when discussing work with them.
- Be clear about when they can expect certain things from their project manager: “I’ll be taking my maternity leave starting next month,” or “Can we schedule our meetings earlier.
So I have time for dinner with my husband?” This way, no one will have any surprises later on down the line.
Working from home as a freelancer comes with unique challenges. Check out our comprehensive guide on tips for freelancers who work from home to discover effective strategies for setting up a productive home office, managing distractions, and maintaining work-life balance.
Pregnancy Is An Exciting And Challenging Time For Every Working Woman, Especially If You’re Also A Freelancer!
When you’re pregnant, there are a lot of changes to adjust to so it’s no surprise that being a freelancer while pregnant can be challenging as well. But it doesn’t have to be difficult! There are several ways in which your pregnancy can make you better at what you do:
You’ll have more energy. Pregnancy is one of the most exciting periods in a woman’s life, but it also comes with a whole slew of physical changes.
As someone who’s always been active, this means that your energy levels are going to climb through the roof (which could be bad news if they weren’t channeled into something productive).
You’ll learn how to manage time better than ever before. Managing multiple projects at once may seem impossible until suddenly it isn’t anymore! The ability to juggle multiple priorities will serve any freelancer well in their career after birth as well.
Your brain will work differently. Some people say their IQ drops during pregnancy due to decreased blood flow; others say they’re able either maintain or improve cognitive function during their nine months of gestation (it depends!).
Either way, working on specific tasks becomes easier and more intuitive when there’s an adorable little human growing inside you you just know what needs to be done next without having to think about it too much!
Conclusion
It may be uncomfortable to bring up your pregnancy in professional situations, but the longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to communicate effectively. Rather than waiting until your midwife suggests a change, try talking about what you need from your employers now.
It’s not just about preparing for maternity leave or even just any time off at all it’s about making sure that when you’re in the office and on the job, you have everything you need to succeed.
Further Reading
Guide to Freelance Maternity Leave: This comprehensive guide from IPSE provides valuable information and guidance on navigating maternity leave as a freelancer, including legal rights, financial considerations, and practical tips for managing your business during this period.
Nine Ways to Maternity-Proof Your Freelance Business: UnderPinned offers nine practical strategies to help freelance professionals prepare their businesses for maternity leave, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of work while taking time off to care for their newborn.
Your Experiences: How to Balance Freelance Work and Having a Baby: Read real-life experiences and stories from freelancers who have successfully balanced their freelance work with the demands of parenthood. This article by NCT provides insights, tips, and inspiration for freelancers facing the challenges of managing work and family life.
FAQs
Q: Can I take maternity leave as a freelancer?
A: Yes, freelancers are entitled to maternity leave and certain benefits. Understanding your legal rights and planning ahead is crucial to ensure a smooth transition during this period.
Q: How can I financially prepare for maternity leave as a freelancer?
A: Financial planning is essential for freelancers expecting a baby. Exploring options such as savings, insurance, and government schemes can help you navigate the financial challenges during maternity leave.
Q: What steps should I take to maintain client relationships during maternity leave?
A: Communicating with your clients about your upcoming leave, setting expectations, and planning ahead are important to maintain healthy client relationships. Providing alternative contacts or arranging for project handovers can help ensure continuity.
Q: How can I manage my workload and deadlines while on maternity leave?
A: Prioritizing tasks, delegating work to trusted collaborators or subcontractors, and setting realistic deadlines can help you manage your workload during maternity leave. Effective communication and clear expectations are key.
Q: How do I transition back to freelancing after maternity leave?
A: Returning to freelancing after maternity leave requires careful planning. Gradually easing back into work, reevaluating your business goals, and seeking support from networks or communities can facilitate a smooth transition.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.