Fear Factor: Navigating The Top Concerns of Pregnant Professionals
How You Can Show Support For Your Pregnant Colleague And Help Ease Her Stress
When you take the time to build your career and develop a rapport with your company as the eager, “go to” colleague who commits every waking moment to the company's success, it can be daunting when a life-changing moment like pregnancy disrupts our otherwise stable routine. How will everyone react? Will I lose out on opportunities? What kind of stigma does pregnancy carry in the workplace? How will I balance my work/life schedules? These are among the million questions wracking a woman’s brain when she thinks of the road ahead and believe it or not, as her colleague and confidant who can most accurately empathize with her situation, she will turn to you for answers, as well as emotional and mental support.
What Are The Most Common Issues and Fears Affecting Pregnant Women At Work?
First, let’s consider what type of issues may arise for her so you are better prepared with a helpful solution.
Maternity Leave: How long? Is it paid or unpaid? How to submit documentation for it? When to start her leave?
Return schedule flexibility: Is the company flexible when it comes to a schedule conducive to caring for a child (and yourself), including sickness, doctor appointments, the dreaded calls from daycare, and other unforeseen circumstances?
Private area for pumping: Does the company offer a private room for pumping her breastmilk and the necessary “breaks” to do so (most women need to pump every 2-3 hours)? Also, do they offer an area for storing/refrigerating the milk?
Does the company offer childcare: Some companies have in-house daycare programs provided for employees, while some work closely with locations that offer discounts to employees.
Remote work: Does the company allow for an opportunity to work remotely a day or two a week, if necessary?
Pregnancy discrimination: Discrimination based on pregnancy is against the law according to the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (Title VII) which protects discrimination based on current, past, or potential pregnancies, and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) which requires employers to provide “reasonable accommodations” to an employee's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related disability. However, it’s a fear for most women because many companies straddle the line between what’s deemed discrimination. This could include being passed up for promotions, assignments, or other advancements in the workplace.
How To Support Your Colleague During Pregnancy and After Birth
The best support you can offer is to have the answers to the questions before she even thinks to ask them. Or provide a solution to a problem she hasn’t had yet (but inevitably will). What would you want to know if you were in her shoes? It can be incredibly taxing searching for answers to all your questions and sometimes you feel you are being led around in circles with no end in sight.
Do the research: Help her by researching company policies and practices regarding Maternity Leave, as well as what to expect when returning from leave. Provide the documentation she needs to streamline the process and take some heavy burdens off her plate.
Advocate for her: Sometimes it’s hard for a pregnant woman to speak up for herself (even harder if she’s not even present to do so). So she needs friends to advocate for her fair treatment and deserving position in the company. If you feel she is being discriminated against or unfairly stereotyped, be her voice and demand equal opportunity.
Flexible schedules: Determine if the company offers a potential for remote work or a modified schedule upon return (including time and location accommodations for pumping).
Do more research (are we sensing a theme?): Find top-rated daycares in the area with a range of prices so she can make an informed decision. Some programs may work directly with a company to offer discounts and direct payment withdrawals from paychecks.
Give a gift: When all the boring (but necessary) tasks are complete, remind her to take time to celebrate! It is an incredible and fleeting moment in her life after all. Let her know it’s okay to slow down and take a moment for herself. A thoughtful maternity leave gift box with all she needs to embrace this experience and know she has the support she needs to make it through is absolutely priceless (especially in times of overwhelming uncertainty).
Gift Ideas for a Pregnant Coworker
curated pregnancy & postpartum gift boxes
PERFECT FOR MOM-TO-BE DURING ANY TRIMESTER. MAKES A GREAT BABY SHOWER GIFT THAT’S JUST FOR MAMA!
The “Top Bestsellers” Gift Box for Expecting Moms Includes:
Nurtured 9 Maternity/Postpartum Robe in Cream Floral, Oatmeal & Cream Stripe or Solid Dusty Rose for lounging at home and at the hospital, and for all of those middle-of-the-night feedings once baby arrives (Small/Medium - sizes 0-10; Large/X-Large - sizes 12-18)
Mama & Bird Belly Butter to soothe and hydrate dry, stretching skin
Blush Pink Slippers to soothe achy feet (S/M for shoe size 6-8 and L/XL for shoe size 9-10)
8 Sheep Organics Sleepy Body Lotion a lavender-scented magnesium infused moisturizer that relaxes your mind and body naturally for a deeper, more restful sleep
Eases These Pregnancy Stressors:
Aches and pains, restless legs & leg cramps
Difficulty sleeping
Dry, stretching skin
Achy, swollen feet
Pregnancy stress
Why We Love This Gift:
Our Nurtured 9 community has spoken! These are the bestselling pregnancy items from our shop, so we’ve combined them into one extraordinary bundle for mom-to-be.
Mama will wrap herself in her luxe, elegant maternity/delivery robe, ease her achy feet into plush slippers, and soothe dry stretching skin with Mama & Bird Belly Butter. Next up in her relaxing self-care routine: a massage with 8 Sheep Organics Sleepy Body Lotion, focusing on sore legs and back while inhaling the soothing scent of lavender.
Packaging & Shipping Details:
This pregnancy gift box is beautifully packaged in our luxe signature Nurtured 9 gift box, topped with ribbon and your gift note, handwritten on our Nurtured 9 card (no need for additional gift wrapping!).
In a hurry? No worries! Orders ship within 24 hours, and generally take 2-5 business days to arrive via ground shipping. If you need your order sooner, you may select one of our expedited shipping methods at checkout. If you have any questions about packaging & shipping, please visit our FAQ page or email us at info@nurtured9.com.
WANT MORE GIFT OPTIONS?
Shop our entire collection of PREGNANCY GIFT BOXES and NEW MOM GIFT BOXES or you can CURATE-YOUR-OWN
PERFECT FOR AN EXPECTANT MOM OR FOR A NEW MOM DURING POSTPARTUM AKA THE “FOURTH TRIMESTER”. MAKES A GREAT BABY SHOWER GIFT!
The Mom & Baby Care Package Includes:
For Mom:
Nurtured 9 Maternity/Postpartum Robe in Cream Floral, Oatmeal & Cream Stripe or Solid Dusty Rose a luxe lounging layer with a relaxed silhouette that works for pregnancy and postpartum. Nursing friendly! (Small/Medium - sizes 0-10; Large/XLarge - sizes 12-18)
A Dry Brush to enhance circulation and exfoliate skin for an all-over glow
Lavender, Rose & Cedarwood All-Natural Bath Bomb for a fizzy, relaxing, and moisturizing bath
For Baby:
Diaper Caddy a white rope diaper basket to help Mama organize her diaper station or to store baby’s extra stuffed animals and blankets
Sun Swaddle Blanket a super soft new baby staple, made in a bamboo and cotton blend
Sleepy Bear Lovey to soothe baby so Mama can get some much needed rest!
Silicone Sun Teether a teether made with buttery soft silicone that fits perfectly into tiny hands (BPA free + 100% non-toxic materials)
Why We Love This Gift:
This thoughtfully curated new baby gift basket is the way to go when you want to send love and care to the new Mama AND her brand new baby! It includes items that comfort and soothe both Mom and baby during their first days and weeks together.
To curate this gift, we started with the prettiest maternity/postpartum robe (your choice of three colors) so Mom can feel fabulous inside and out. We also included some bath items to encourage Mama to take a few moments to care for herself: a dry brush and a lavender, rose & cedarwood bath bomb.
Next, we’ve curated four items specifically to help Mama keep baby comfy and soothed from day to night: a diaper caddy to organize and stash all the essentials, a beautiful swaddle blanket for extra snuggles and rest, an adorable bear lovey for cuddling, and a silicone sun teether to help baby feel more comfortable as those teeth start poking through.
Packaging & Shipping Details:
This set of gifts for brand new moms includes an elegant Nurtured 9 notecard. Our team will handwrite your gift message for you! The items included in this baby gift set are assembled in the diaper caddy for a fun presentation to Mom.
In a hurry? No worries! Orders ship within 24 hours, and generally take 2-5 business days to arrive via ground shipping. If you need your order sooner, you may select one of our expedited shipping methods at checkout. If you have any questions about packaging & shipping, please visit our FAQ page or email us at info@nurtured9.com.
WANT MORE GIFT OPTIONS?
Shop our entire collection of PREGNANCY GIFT BOXES and NEW MOM GIFT BOXES or you can CURATE-YOUR-OWN
PERFECT FOR A NEW MOM DURING POSTPARTUM OR “4TH TRIMESTER”. MAKES A GREAT NEW BABY GIFT OR BABY SHOWER GIFT THAT’S JUST FOR MAMA!
The Peaceful Postpartum Gift Box Includes:
Earth Mama Organic Periodic Tea to gently ease postpartum cramping and discomforts
Blush Pink Slippers to warm and comfort a new mama at home (S/M for shoe size 6-8 and L/XL for shoe size 9-10)
Boobie Lactation Oat Cookie Bites delicious, indulgent & packed with nutrients that boost milk supply
Nurtured 9 Bloom No. 2 Non-Toxic Candle a refreshingly light scent to set a relaxing and cozy mood at home
Nurtured 9 “Moment For Mama” Apothecary Matches to make the relaxing ritual of lighting a candle meaningful from the strike of the match
Why We Love This Gift:
The days immediately after giving birth are so amazing and so exhausting at the same time. Despite the sleepless nights and nursing-filled days, Mama will look back with joy as she remembers this special and magical phase with her little one. This postpartum care package is all about soothing the new mom in the days after birth, so she can really enjoy these fleeting moments. With a healing warm tea, cloud-like slippers, delicious chocolate peanut lactation cookie bites for a sweet and comforting pick-me-up that also boosts milk supply, and a clean-burning non-toxic candle and matches to set a tranquil mood, the Nurtured 9 Peaceful Postpartum Gift Box is the ultimate care package for the new mom to enjoy while she cares for her beautiful baby.
Please note: the Earth Mama Periodic tea is not for use during pregnancy (postpartum only).
Packaging & Shipping Details:
This postpartum gift box is beautifully packaged in our luxe signature Nurtured 9 gift box, topped with ribbon and your gift note, handwritten on our Nurtured 9 card (no need for additional gift wrapping!).
In a hurry? No worries! Your order of gifts for postpartum moms will ship within 24 hours, and generally takes 2-5 business days to arrive via ground shipping. If you need your order sooner, you may select one of our expedited shipping methods at checkout. If you have any questions about packaging & shipping, please visit our FAQ page or email us at info@nurtured9.com.
WANT MORE GIFT OPTIONS?
Shop our entire collection of PREGNANCY GIFT BOXES and NEW MOM GIFT BOXES or you can CURATE-YOUR-OWN
A PERFECT CONGRATULATORY GIFT FOR NEW PARENTS! MAKES A GREAT BABY PRESENT FOR COWORKERS & EMPLOYEES, OR A BABY SHOWER GIFT FOR MOM.
The Cozy at Home Newborn Parent Gift Basket Includes:
Nurtured 9 Haven Non-Toxic Candle - with a crackling wooden wick to set a relaxing and cozy mood at home
Palermo Replenishing Salt Bath Soak Mini Sachet – for a relaxing bath to unwind
Noshinku Hand Sanitizer (70% Alcohol) - Nourishing Lavender - a soothing spritz to keep hands germ-free around the new baby
Sleepy Bear Lovey - the most adorable soft and cozy companion for snuggles and soothing
Sun Swaddle Blanket- a gorgeous new baby essential that can be used for so much more than swaddling!
Silicone Sun Teether – a teether made with buttery soft silicone that fits perfectly into tiny hands (BPA free + 100% non-toxic materials)
Why We Love This Gift:
A new baby’s arrival means lots of days and nights at home. This new baby gift basket for parents is all about making that experience feel a bit more relaxing and soothing for the baby AND the parents!
First up, we’ve curated a super soft bamboo and cotton swaddle blanket in a beautiful sun print that is perfect for swaddling, tummy time, and draped over the stroller to provide shade during walks. Next, we’ve added in a cozy bear lovey that makes the best companion for cuddling and helping to soothe baby. Finally, we’ve added a silicone teething trinket to help baby feel more comfortable as those teeth start poking through.
For the new parents, we’ve included a lightly scented clean-burning candle to enhance the atmosphere in the home, a relaxing salt bath soak to gently lift a (tired) parent’s mood, and finally an elevated & chic hand sanitizer to keep germs far away from baby.
Packaging & Shipping Details:
This new parent gift basket is beautifully packaged in our luxe signature Nurtured 9 gift box, topped with ribbon and your gift note, handwritten on our Nurtured 9 card (no need for additional gift wrapping!).
In a hurry? No worries! Orders ship within 24 hours, and generally take 2-5 business days to arrive via ground shipping. If you need your order sooner, you may select one of our expedited shipping methods at checkout. If you have any questions about packaging & shipping, please visit our FAQ page or email us at info@nurtured9.com.
FOR BULK CORPORATE ORDERS, PLEASE EMAIL US AT INFO@NURTURED9.COM.
For additional gift options, shop our entire collection of PREGNANCY GIFT BOXES and NEW MOM GIFT BOXES or you can CURATE-YOUR-OWN
Curate-Your-Own Gift Box
Our luxe signature Nurtured 9 box comes in a beautiful nude pink with coordinating pink satin ribbon. The interior features a handwritten notecard, blush pink chiffon ribbon, and tissue paper secured with black and white “Just For You Mama” washi tape.
Why Moms-to-Be and New Moms Will Love this water bottle:
We all know it’s important to drink enough water. But since mom is now drinking for TWO, she’s literally reaching for her water glass all. day. long. (Same if she’s a nursing new mama!) Help her keep those important sips top-of-mind and make drinking water blissful, easy, and beautifully elevated with the bkr glass water bottle with a silicone sleeve including a subtle tone-on-tone message “Just For You, Mama” stamped along its side to make it feel extra special.
Product Details:
Opaque light fawn beige.
Features the subtle text “Just For You, Mama” along the side.
500mL/16oz. 7.9" tall, 3.1" wide, 0.8" opening.
Weighs just under 1lb, with water ~2lb.
Small opening for no-spill sipping.
Silicone and glass water bottle. BPA-free, phthalate-free, fits most cup holders.
Cap: no-leak, BPA-free, phthalate-free plastic with silicone seal.
Dishwasher safe on top rack, store with cap off, don't freeze or microwave.
100% adorable + addictive.
Perfect for: everyday, in the car, gym time.
Why Moms-to-be and New Moms Will Love It:
Who can resist the sweetness of a little bunny stuffed animal? The perfect add on for baby and Mama to snuggle, this stuffed bunny is supremely soft and sized for new baby (or an older sibling) to cuddle up with day and night!
Product Details:
Exclusively designed for Nurtured 9 by O.B. Designs in Australia in this lovely warm gray color, this fluffy, cuddly bunny makes a great companion for your special little one.
Suitable for Ages 0+
Toy 10 inches long
Weighted beads in arms, legs & belly
Made by a Sedex audited Manufacturer
Interior of toys are recycled material
100% Polyester interior and exterior
O.B. Designs’ products are made to the highest standards, however if used incorrectly and breakage occurs, they may become a choking hazard. Please check before each use and discard at the first sign of wear. Do not alter in any way and always use under adult supervision. Machine Wash before use and hang dry. Inspect product for defects before use. Do not leave with babies unattended or when sleeping.
Our soft toys meet EN71 1,2,3, ASTM and ASNZ toy standards for children under 36 months.
customize your corporate baby gift basket
If a lot of employees at your company are growing their families, why not customize your very own corporate baby gift box and include your company logo? Contact us to start brainstorming a bespoke baby gift that keeps your company top of mind during maternity (and paternity) leave!
