The U.S. has witnessed a surge in women entrepreneurs. More and more women are dipping their toes into entrepreneurship, with Gen Z leading the way. At present, about 12.3 million businesses are owned by women. A new report has found that women-owned businesses saw an 82.0% increase in revenue. That’s staggering. Disclaimer: Sp0nsored Content Notice.
Oprah Winfrey, Tory Burch, and Sara Blakely are some of the top women entrepreneurs in America. Seeing these women succeed might make you think that being an entrepreneur is easy. But it isn’t.
It takes blood, sweat, and tears to run a business. Things get all the more challenging if you’re pregnant. Balancing the demands of pregnancy with the responsibilities of running a business is challenging. But don’t worry; we’ll help you out.
In this article, we’ll share some practical tips that will help you keep your business running smoothly while preparing for your baby’s arrival.
#1. Craft a Customized Work Schedule
We can’t stress enough how important it is to create a customized work schedule. It will not only help you stay on top of your tasks but will also keep anxiety at bay. You will be organized and feel more confident when you make a daily to-do list.
Before you craft your work schedule, identify your most productive times of the day. Schedule high-priority tasks during those periods. You will procrastinate less and achieve more in less time.
Many women, for instance, experience morning sickness in the first trimester. Nausea and excessive vomiting can make it difficult to work. Avoid scheduling tasks early in the morning. The energy levels of pregnant women often surge during the daytime. That could be the time when you can tackle your most demanding tasks.
Keep it flexible, however. Should you feel fatigued or unwell, you can adjust your schedule as needed. This will allow you to maintain productivity without compromising your well-being.
#2. Shop for Maternity Clothes
Your pre-pregnancy clothes won’t accommodate your growing belly and body. Women usually outgrow their pre-pregnancy clothes toward the end of the first trimester, i.e., 12 or 13 weeks.
By the time you enter your second trimester, you’ll need large-size clothing. It’s best to shop for maternity clothes early on. Start shopping for maternity clothes before you enter your second trimester.
During the first few months, you can look for essential clothing for women that is comfortable, stylish, and functional. Make sure it’s made of natural, breathable fabrics like cotton and bamboo so that you stay cool and comfortable throughout the day.
Take, for example, a sweatshirt. This long-sleeved pullover shirt, Project Social T observes, is a versatile piece of clothing that can be styled in many ways. You can pair it with denim for a more relaxed feel. Or, wear it with a skirt for a more polished look.
Once your baby bump starts to show, go for pieces that provide support and flexibility, such as maternity leggings, dresses, and tops with room to grow. These will brace your belly, providing the necessary support while allowing for freedom of movement.
Try creating a capsule wardrobe. You can create multiple outfits and maintain a polished look by mixing and matching pieces.
#3. Delegate Responsibilities
You’re an entrepreneur; it’s natural for you to handle everything yourself. But now that you’re pregnant, you must get plenty of rest. Pregnancy can tire you quickly, making you feel nauseous and emotional. Don’t try to do everything yourself. Do delegate responsibilities.
Assign tasks to capable team members so that they are completed on time. If your team lacks the necessary skills or capacity, consider hiring new members who can contribute effectively. This will lighten your workload as well as empower your team, helping them grow.
#4. Prepare for the Baby’s Arrival
As an entrepreneur, you spend a lot of time managing business responsibilities. But, at the same time, you must prepare for the arrival of your baby. Don’t leave things for the eleventh hour. Your baby will be here before you even know it.
While balancing your entrepreneurial commitments, you must make sure that everything is ready for your baby’s arrival. Towards the end of your third trimester, stock on all the essentials your baby will need. This would include feeding supplies, diapers, clothes, and nursery furniture.
You can also take antenatal classes. These classes will help you get ready for labor, childbirth, breastfeeding, newborn care, and postpartum recovery.
The Honest Midwife advises mothers to take antenatal classes anytime after their 20-week scan. It further suggests mothers take these classes a bit early if they suspect they may go into labor earlier than their due date.
Keep in touch with a midwife, as well. They can help you navigate pregnancy and postpartum by offering personalized care and emphasizing holistic health and well-being.
A midwife’s support includes prenatal visits, discussing birth plans, and providing guidance on managing pregnancy symptoms. Their expertise extends to postpartum care, offering lactation support, emotional guidance, and advice on newborn care.
To sum things up, balancing pregnancy with entrepreneurial pursuits is undoubtedly challenging, but it’s entirely manageable. These tips can help you maintain productivity while preparing for the arrival of your baby. You will not only thrive as a mother but also as an entrepreneur, proving that you can successfully manage both roles with grace and determination.
Besides, keep a positive and adaptable mindset. It will help you navigate any surprises along the way.
Join the discussion!