Pregnant Woman Shares Her Stress As Her Boss Texts Her About Work While She's On Maternity Leave | HuffPost Life

'Frankly, it isn’t on.'

By

Life editor at HuffPost UK

A pregnant woman has shared her frustration as she’s frequently being sent work-related messages by her boss while she’s on maternity leave.

Reddit user TheRubyRedPirate said her first official day of maternity leave was on her due date. However seeing as she hasn’t given birth yet, her boss has been messaging her about work and even asked her to go into the office.

“Yesterday and today, my boss has been texting me like crazy,” she wrote on Sunday 16 July.

“Yesterday she text and said if I’m bored I can come in and work the afternoon.”

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Reddit

The woman explained she forgot to text her boss back as she had visitors.

The next day, she woke up to a text from her boss saying: “Thanks for not texting back yesterday - totally cool.”

The Reddit user continued: “I said sorry. A few hours later she text me about something that happened on Tuesday.

“She couldn’t find something that I put in a cabinet and was pissed about it. I specifically remember putting it there, so if it’s not, someone must have moved it. What am I supposed to do about it?

“She’s left me aggravated and every time my phone makes a notification, I panic that it’s her. I don’t go back to work until October.”

The mum-to-be said she doesn’t mind some co-workers keeping her up to date on “cool things at work”, but she felt her boss was going a little “overboard”.

Parents on Reddit agreed it was a bit too much.

“The only response warranted in this case is: ‘I am on maternity leave’. Repeat as necessary,” one person wrote.

Another commented: “You’re on leave, she shouldn’t be messaging you about work stuff anyway. Tell her you’re on leave and can’t help.”

And another wrote: “Really, a sarcastic text about you not responding when you’re on maternity leave? Your boss sounds incredibly immature.”

Commenting on the story, Joeli Brearley, founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, an organisation supporting women at work, told HuffPost UK: “We hear from so many women who are pestered throughout maternity leave by their employers, and frankly, it isn’t on.

“This issue is indicative of the way we view care giving in our society - it isn’t valued. Bread-winning is seen as more worthy, therefore some employers feel it is okay to badger and harass their employees during parental leave.

“If you are in this position you should try and set clear boundaries with your employer. If they ignore your boundaries then you should contact Pregnant Then Screwed, we will help.”

Before You Go

Pregnancy worries and words of comfort

I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)

You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )

I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)

This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )

I'll lose the baby(03 of10)

It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )

My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)

It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )

I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)

You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )

I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)

If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )

I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)

There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )

Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)

You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )

I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)

No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )

I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)

You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )

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