Sharing the Pregnancy News

In the previous post, I discussed some of the very first things to do once becomming pregnant. A large part of that post were points to prepare and find information on in the workplace before sharing the news with supervisors and co-workers. Now, let's touch on ways to actually share the news!

Personally:

* To surprise your husband and let him realize that you are pregnant, try placing a bun in the oven. Tie a pink and a blue ribbon on the bun, to show that it may be a boy or girl. Ask him to check the food in the oven while preparing dinner. (Make sure oven is off, especially if the bun has decorations on it and to prevent burning when husband makes a grab for the bun.)

* Create a special dinner with 'baby' foods. Baby carrots, baby corn, even try pureed food or open a few cans of baby food. See if the members of the dinner catch the theme.

* Take a picture of the positive pregnancy test and put it on his pillow before bed.

* Give him a Father's Day card - in advance.

* Take a picture of your other child/children holding a sign saying they are going to be a big brother/sister.

* Put a t-shirt on another child/children saying they are going to be a big brother/sister and see how long it takes for your husband to notice this.

Professionally:

* Tell your supervisor that you would like to set up a meeting with her to discuss an important issue. Be frank and to the point. No reason to beat around the bush that you are expecting. A simple, "I'm pregnant" will easily open the door to conversation. Don't be shy or feel that you are doing the company a dis-service by becoming pregnant. Remember that your life outside of work comes first and that is the important part. Work comes second, that's the part that helps take care of your first priority.

* In this meeting, be sure to touch on some key points after sharing the wonderful news with her. Explain how you do not intend your work performance to decline and how you intend on picking your work up again after coming back from maternity leave. Going in prepared will show your boss that you are serious about your job. That is always a good way to keep your supervisors impressed with you, especially since you will now have extra times to ask off for doctor appointments and even morning sickness.