Tips for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and parenthood during fieldwork?
Ask A Biologist Monday 6/5/23
Answers from Biologists:
Be honest about your physical limitations during pregnancy.
Ask for space and time to pump.
Set firm boundaries on your work time to protect your family time.
Take as much parental leave as you can.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Especially lifting things while pregnant.
Freemie breast milk collection cups so you can pump on the go and be hands free.
Get a supportive hip band for hiking.
A workplace that recognizes that parents’ priorities (travel, etc.) shift is essential.
Get comfortable breastfeeding in a baby wrap or carrying. Game changer.
Hands-free pumping bras if you’re in the field without baby. Can pump while driving, etc.
Even if you aren’t ready to tell everyone, let a coworker you trust know you’re pregnant for safety.
Start baby in a carrier earlier and practice breastfeeding in it a lot.
The 40oz Stanley cup to stay hydrated. Makes it easy to drink while in the car between sites.
When pregnant, avoid handling dead stuff if you can. Zoonotics are not worth the risk.
Post partum sucks. Take all you time and do NO work during that time. Focus on healing and learning.
Remember that you are more important than your job.
Bootcut cargo pocket yoga pants, an Elvie pump, and relaxation techniques.
Take precautions against insect bites. Pregnant people are at higher risk for bad reactions.
Wear lots of sunscreen while pregnant. Your skin will sunburn easier than normal.
Don’t feel bad for taking it easy earlier in pregnancy. The whole thing is physically challenging.
Write down EVERYTHING. You’ll be shocked how absentminded you become.
Ask for flexibility with office vs fieldwork and options for work from home.
Recognize that your priorities may shift, and that’s okay!
Get a high quality cooler for storing pumped breastmilk.
Even if your boss is wonderful, tell them of your pregnancy and expected due date in an official email for records and protection.
Telling your supervisor early on about your pregnancy can offer more allowances for appointments and medical issues.
Realize that your ligaments soften and loosen in pregnancy, so be careful hiking and lifting items.
Be extra careful with your PPE while pregnant and breastfeeding.
Ask your coworkers who are already parents for their advice.
Talk to your employer/HR about how your child will be added to your insurance.
