posted
I work in a research lab, which means I have had to say no to doing certain activities since the day I found out I was pregnant (ex- no, I won't be doing experiments with those toxic chemicals that give me headaches). So, as I am getting bigger, I notice that I am having difficulties with some physical activities (I have to reach into a centrifuge, pick up a heavy rotor, lift it out and then return it to place). I can still do them, but they are getting difficult. The question is, do I wait until the day I physically can not do them or do I give warning now that these things are becoming an issue. My boss's general attitude to my pregnancy is that if he ignores it, it will go away.
Posts: 1001 | Registered: Mar 2006
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posted
My sister had this experience as a nurse, I'll ask her how they dealt with her situation and get back to you.
Posts: 14316 | Registered: Jul 2005
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posted
Tell your boss now that lifting things is becoming an issue. To smooth the way, see if your ob will send a letter to your boss outlining what types of activities need to be modified or eliminated while you're pregnant.
Your boss can't get away with ignoring this - he must accomodate your needs during this pregnancy, and don't allow him to pressure you into doing anything that puts your baby and your health at risk.
Posts: 14428 | Registered: Aug 2001
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posted
Give warning. And if you at any point get physically unable to handle the work, even with reasonable accomodation, talk to your OB about putting you on disability.
Posts: 21182 | Registered: Sep 2004
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Do you know if my work has to do anything to accomodate breastfeeding after I have the baby? Our bathroom does not have a couch and my "office" is not private (a cubicle open to the hallway). They do not have a "wellness" room or anything set up currently. Like I said, not a baby friendly place. When I told people I was pregnant, they offered condolences instead of congratulations.
Posts: 1001 | Registered: Mar 2006
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Your profile says Texas. Unfortunately, TX companies do not seem to be required to support your breastfeeding; legislation is summarized here. However, you are allowed to breastfeed wherever you are authorized to be. So, if you have an option to take your baby to work with you, you may breastfeed him there.
Posts: 21182 | Registered: Sep 2004
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Rather than approach it from a "what do they HAVE to do for me" position, you might just talk with your boss about the coming months in a matter of fact way. Like, "Past today, I won't be able to lift heavy things until after I'm back from maternity leave. After I return, where would you suggest is the best place for me to pump my milk? Will we need to make some preparations of a room and could we complete that before I have the baby so it's all ready?"
And, unless you were yourself unhappy about the pregnancy, I find it totally apalling that anyone would actually express condolences to your face. Were it me, I'd seriously think about finding a job elsewhere if that was the social environment. Being a new parent is hard enough.
Posts: 5948 | Registered: Jun 2001
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I am in Texas. Thanks for the link. It was very interesting and helpful.
Edit to add: I was actually very happy about the baby. Unfortunately, I need to work where I am until I finish my phd.
Posts: 1001 | Registered: Mar 2006
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posted
On the breastfeeding question, I decided to go "around" my boss (it's not going over his head because the guy I talked to is kinda under my boss). So, I talked to the building manager. The official response would be "what's wrong with a bathroom stall" but the building manager finds that icky and is convinced he can do better. I suggested partitioning off my cubby with curtains and so that is our plan B. He would like to find me an office with a nice big comfy chair and is hoping that in a few months when I need it, there will be one open. This is way awesome of him, esp considering the huge fights there are over office spaces (my boss would never suggest it because it would lead to year long fights amongst faculty). On the lifting, my boss doesn't see what the problem is. I just need to find someone else to lift anything I don't want to. Since, I am the only one in the lab, that is easier said then done. I don't look pregnant necessarily, could just be fat, so going and asking strangers for help is a bit awkward. Oh well. I am sure things will work out somehow. Thanks for the advice everyone. I appreciated it.
Posts: 1001 | Registered: Mar 2006
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You need to talk to your doctor and tell him what you do at work and what the exposures are (nature and extent). He needs to give you a realistic, best medical opinion of what your restrictions are at what point in the pregnancy. Then you need to communicate those to your boss. Skirting the issue or guessing is not the right answer. Expecting your boss to guess is also not the right answer. If your company is big enough to have an HR function on site, let them know too. You may have to leave work sooner than you would like. But, if that is the best medical opinion you need to pay attention to it. Your employer is required by federal law to treat a pregnancy like they would any other temporary medical condition. It is very likely that your boss knows that and is doing his best to comply. That is why he appears to "ignore it and it will go away". Thats what he would do with a less positive temporary disability.
EDIT to clarify:
quote:Your boss can't get away with ignoring this - he must accomodate your needs during this pregnancy, and don't allow him to pressure you into doing anything that puts your baby and your health at risk.
He only has to accomodate to the extent he would for any other temporary disability. He needs to have your doctor give him realistic restrictions. Then he will decide if he can accomodate them.
Posts: 1167 | Registered: Oct 2005
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posted
Although I don't know your exact situation, don't be pushed around just because you're a graduate student. In my experience many people take a lot of crap (that they should never be expected to take in the first place) for simply this reason.
Posts: 1621 | Registered: Oct 2001
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