Episode 26 - Pregnancy and Entrepreneurship - How I’m Preparing for a Maternity Leave as a Business Owner

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Pregnancy and Entrepreneurship - How I’m Preparing for a Maternity Leave as a Business Owner

Today’s podcast is a bit different as it’s much more personal than you are used to! Danielle talks about her journey of Pregnancy and Entrepreneurship and how she’s Preparing for Maternity Leave. This episode is not as structured as our normal ones as her shares her experience, however, Danielle does give some of her tips of things that she’s doing to prepare for taking time off!

Danielle’s Key Takeaways:

  • Finding out that I was pregnant made me immediately think of how this changes my life, my business, my schedule, etc

  • I am blessed to know so many mammas who run businesses

  • My first trimester was so hard with brutal nausea and fatigue

  • I didn’t feel myself, didn’t feel motivated or inspired

  • I wasn’t expecting that I wouldn’t be able to function properly for life or the business

  • I realized quickly that I wasn’t able to work at the capacity I was used to, and had to put some things on hold

  • TIP #1: Give yourself permission to REST!

    • take care of your body and mind during pregnancy

    • don’t feel guilty for taking time off

  • TIP #2: Managing your time is extremely important. Automate things and outsource!

    • How can you simplify the business so you can make the biggest impact while giving yourself flexibility

    • Be strict with your boundaries because your time is precious

  • Second trimester was a lot better and felt like I could do things I committed to

  • TIP #3: Be realistic about the capacity you can work at during pregnancy. Don’t tie yourself to specific outcomes for huge goals

  • TIP #4: Write down 3 tops things to accomplish for the day

    • Focus on small action steps to move your business forward


Q&A

Q: How are you navigating the hormones and staying on track?

A: Hormones being all over the place is normal! To stay on track, I just stay focused on a few things to do within a day

Q: How are you dealing with fatigue?

A: I was having several naps a day. After every sprint of working, I would have to lie down. I gave myself permission to not feel guilty. I decided to listen to my body and do what it needs. Prioritize your self-care!


Q: How do you ask for help and allow others to contribute?

A: My husband ended up doing a lot of the cooking and cleaning because I couldn’t do much during my first trimester. It was so amazing to have that support. If you don’t have that, you need to ask for it! Whether it’s family or a friend or hiring help for your business. I’ve been outsourcing for people to help with various business tasks.

Q: Curious if you’re taking a mat leave and how long?

A: Yes! I have everything covered (people to take on various tasks) for about 6 weeks. Because of my pregnancy, I wanted to structure my business in a way that it is flexible and can run with little assistance. I will ease back into the business and if I want more time, I have the time who can continue those tasks for me.

Q: How do you rest without feeling? How do you give yourself grace?

A: Realize that your life is more than work and your business. I am all about creating a business that contributes to your life. I remind myself that during this pregnancy that the baby and myself are healthy and the business comes second.

MORE TIPS & TRICKS

  1. Prep your clients and customers

    1. Examples: autoresponder emails or virtual assistant to answer your emails, etc

  2. Set up a team you trust who can step in for you

    1. I have people to help with social, content, admin, podcast editing, etc

  3. Set things up ahead of time

    1. Ex: social media posts, emails, calls, etc

  4. Budget your finances

    1. Ex: calculate how much time you can take off, etc

  5. Talk to other moms and mompreneurs!

    1. Take everything with a grain of salt because everyone has a different experience of pregnancy, motherhood, coming back to business, etc

  6. Create systems, automation, outsourcing

Show Notes:

Danielle Wiebe