How to manage working through pregnancy

Working through pregnancy can be tricky, especially when your job requires you to be on your feet for long periods of time, and it isn’t a straightforward 9 to 5. Whilst there is a lot of information available for business owners who want to support their staff during this time with regards to maternity and paternity leave and pay, sometimes expectant parents can feel at a loss as to how to monitor their own wellbeing. We spoke to four stylists and barbers about their own experiences of working through pregnancy and pregnancy in the workplace... “When I was pregnant, I made sure to take regular breaks, I snacked all the time, tried to stay hydrated (but needed reminding) and I sat down whenever possible, even when cutting. I tried to rest at any opportunity,” says Stacey Whyte, owner at Cheveux Salon, adding: “Hairdressing is physically tiring at the best of times, imagine what it’s like to be carrying around another human being as you work! I also wore a bump strap which alleviated a little weight and supported my hips and back, when on my feet all day.” As a business owner, Stacey conducts a new risk assessment as soon as a member of the team announces their pregnancy so they can understand if there’s anything they can or cannot do. “As a salon, we don’t let any of our team mix bleach if they’re pregnant. We re-evaluate their work pattern as they get further into their pregnancy as they may need to take a little longer over certain jobs or need scattered breaks or one big break. A big one, is not being afraid to ask for help, as a team we pull together in any circumstance and a new baby is only expanding our amazing clan,” she tells us. “Working whilst you are pregnant can be hard on your feet, legs, and your back, so it’s always best to wear comfy shoes and use a cutting stool wherever possible.” Marina Hodgins, Fringe Benefits Gloucester, tells us. “I have always encouraged my team to take extra breaks through the day to avoid fatigue, and rest and take the strain off their feet. As an employer we have a duty of care to our employees to make sure they have our support whilst working within the salon.” Bethan Brennan, barber at Cresswell Barber Co, explains that it is important to remember every pregnancy and every pregnant person is different, “What your friends experience will be different to you and you will be different to anyone else,” she goes on to say that this even comes down to her maternity leave which is different for those who are self-employed, “Self-employed maternity is difficult in many ways because obviously you want to know what’s happening, how long you’re having off, are you off before the baby is here and for how long. Your boss and colleagues also want to know what’s happening and your clients are eager to know what’s happening too. If I can give anyone advice, do what is best for you, your baby and your family. If you have the financial stability to be off for a little bit before your baby is here, do it. We unfortunately don’t have that luxury and I’m going to be working a week before my due date.” Having an understanding boss can make all the difference when managing your pregnancy at work, Valerie Kelly, owner at Valerie Kelly hairdressing, tells us that although she has chosen to not have a family of her own, she does recognise the need to support her staff when they start a family. “I remember a song coming on the radio, my staff member was heavily pregnant, and I placed my hand on her bump singing along to the song - it was a moment of human kindness that we still look back on. I feel that is the key, connecting on a human level and supporting that staff member so they realise I’m there for them. Being off for a long period of time was inevitable, but if staff feel supported their clients will see this and want to support their salon too.” Although the instinct is to think of the impact on her business, Valerie believes that the team culture you create is just as important to the success of your business: “When life decides to take a curve go with the flow and be the leader you wished you had when you were employed. Support your team by understanding they work to create the life they want, personal goals with staff are great for this kind of thing and they can work towards life changing events to make their life better and your salon should be proud to support family life.” Bethan agrees that the shared excitement from both colleagues and customers makes all the difference, “The support, the understanding, the advice, the hand-me-downs, the handmade blankets, the gifts, the offers of babysitting. It’s all so unexpected but greatly appreciated.” She adds that it is important to do what feels right for you and listen to your body, “It is your pregnancy, no one else’s. If you don’t feel like you can do something then don’t, if you feel fine and capable just make minor adjustments and carry on. If you are a physical person and on your feet all day, you’ll more than likely be fine while working after making a few changes.”