Tips for your Teacher Maternity Leave and Teaching While Pregnant

Congratulations! You are expecting! There is a lot of planning and preparation that takes place before a baby arrives. In addition to getting things ready at home, you’ll need to prepare for your teacher maternity leave. It is a very busy and exciting time!

The days leading up to maternity leave for teachers can be stressful if you don’t plan and prep early. Grab the tips and ideas below for how to make your life a little easier at work while pregnant and how to make the most of the time before your teacher maternity leave.

When to Tell

It is completely up to you when you would like to share your exciting news. Many people wait until the end of their first trimester (12 weeks). Be sure to talk to your school administrator before sharing your news with anyone at work. Your principal will greatly appreciate this gesture.

10 Tips to Survive Teaching while Pregnant

Bring a large water bottle to school
Keep healthy snacks on your desk
Find a teacher buddy to cover your room for when you need to use the bathroom
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
Prepare for maternity leave early
Create a stock of emergency sub plans
Go to bed early
Sleep as much as possible
Don’t be afraid to take time off
Share your experience with students

20 Ideas for Snacks at School

Oranges and cheese
Grapes and cheese
Apples and cheese
Celery sticks and peanut butter
Apples and peanut butter
Banana and peanut butter
Popcorn
Pretzels with mustard
Trail mix
Almonds
Dried fruits and nuts
Whole grain cereal
Greek yogurt and berries
Veggies and guacamole
Veggies and hummus
Pita bread and hummus
Smoothie
Protein bar
Sweet potato chips
Cheese and wheat crackers

What to Wear to Work when you are Pregnant

Comfort is key! Invest in a few staple maternity pieces that are neutral colors. The neutral colors will help you mix and match pieces because of their versatile nature. Also, be sure to invest in a comfortable pair of shoes. You won’t regret it!

How to Prepare for Your Teacher Maternity Leave

Prepare Yourself

You’re having a baby! This is a big time of change in your life. Be sure to give yourself time to reflect and prepare during this very busy time.

Prepare your Administrators and Colleagues

Consider telling your administrators before your colleagues to ensure that your administrators hear it from you first. Once you tell your school principal and other administrators in your building, feel free to share the exciting news with your colleagues.

Prepare your Long Term Substitute

It can be helpful to invite your long term sub to spend time in your classroom before you leave for maternity. In addition, some other recommendations include sitting down with them and going over your classroom procedures and routines, providing them insight into each of your students, supplying them with your contact information, introducing them to your team members, etc.

Prepare your Students for your Maternity Leave

Openly talk to your students about how you will be going on maternity leave and explain they are super lucky to have a wonderful new teacher. Depending on your preferences, you can give your students your contact information so they can write letters to you.

Prepare your Students’ Families for the Transition to Your Long Term Sub

Notify your families that you will be going on maternity leave. Consult with your administration when this would be appropriate. In addition, send home a letter with your students introducing the families to your long term sub. This will help facilitate a smooth transition and ease your students’ families’ concerns.