Small Businesses – leading the way to a family-friendly future.

By Fancydad

At a time when many women continue to face the dilemma ‘Family or career?’, Slater & Gordon commissioned OnePoll to carry out some timely research earlier this year by interviewing 1000 new mothers about their return to work.  The results are interesting but, sadly, they are also hugely predictable, with almost a third of those interviewed feeling penalised for their natural and legitimate ‘predicament’, and over half facing changing attitudes in the workplace after their pregnancies became known.  So much progress in equality, yet we fail at the most basic level.

The good news, which does come as something of a surprise, is that small businesses could be leading the way in family-friendly employment, according to a story in the Guardian Small Business Network this morning.  Take a bow, small-business owners; you’re daring to go where much of the corporate world will not.  Despite the legislation in place, which affords every expectant mother the right to maternity leave, the problems arise after the fact in far more subtle ways.  Career opportunities and advancement can become restricted, disparity in pay rates begins to creep in, and the fundamental responsibilities of childcare conflict with the regimented structure of the workplace.  For some, the issues are not so subtle, with 1 in 7 losing their job and many women facing demotion, replacement and reduction in hours.

Legislation in place requires all employers to be given at least 15 weeks’ notice of an employees due date, which offers a greater window for forward planning than unforeseen absences and sickness. Despite the ability of most employers to accommodate these legal requirements, David Evans, of law firm Cripps Harries Hall, voices concern over the continued problems faced by employees upon their return to work, and this is where small businesses are getting it right.

Perhaps it is due to the close-knit relationships in small firms, committed to a common goal that is more achievable by sticking together and supporting one another.  With many small businesses operating as family enterprises, the importance of family is the very crux of their business.  Corporations are often more removed from their individual employees; relationships are less personal.  On the other hand, small businesses are often more in touch with their employees and relationships are based on a greater degree of mutual respect, commitment and loyalty.  A business need not suffer from an employee’s absence if the maternity leave is managed properly. Rapid Formations, a leading company formation service provider believes this can be achieved by maintaining open and honest communication, keeping an open mind to the idea of flexible working and, ultimately, forward planning wherever possible.

Taking the advocacy of small businesses one step further, many women who faced adversity in the workplace as a result of motherhood have ventured into self-employment.  This can offer a welcomed alternative, allowing women to create a bespoke family-friendly workplace of their own.  With a wealth of start-up grants now available, there is flexibility of self-employment.

Navigating Learning Curve of the Birth Year and Beyond

Navigating Learning Curve of the Birth Year and Beyond

by Laura Saba of www.momdoulary.com

Today’s parents face challenges unlike any generation before.

They’re greeted by an avalanche of conflicting information.  There’s much to learn about your body, transitioning friendships and relationship, not to mention education on parenting and care methods, gadgets, and more.

Experts and businesses vie for one’s attention and dollars, and it is difficult to know which advice to trust.  This has given rise to the “Birth” and “Mommy” Wars – a natural response to conflicting information in a climate where one must keep up with the Joneses while always seeking that “one right answer” they learned through years of schooling must magically exist.  The result?  Serious stress!

Parents bump into a lot of dogma in terms of birth options, be it allopathic (“The epidural is the answer!”) or Natural Childbirth (“All doctors, hospitals, and especially that epidural, are evil!”).   Most know there must be more to it, yet when experts weigh in on both sides with equally compelling information, neither quite resounds with most parents.   Parenting choices are similarly complex.

So, they turn to friends and family for advice, only to find more turmoil and disagreement there!

Reality hits: Every choice they are about to make carries political and personal statements.  The pressure is on.  No matter which path they choose, which options they embrace, they will be judged by others.

The only sane recourse is to choose what ‘‘best fits” one’s family and needs, regardless of what anyone else thinks.  How though, to best determine that?

It isn’t easy.  Plus it feels important to get this right, a baby is depending on you.

They key is to remember to stay true to yourself. What’s right for another family may not be right for you.  There’s no cookie-cutter solution.  Just like there is no ‘perfect’ labor.  We all arrive at our journey from a different starting point, and from different circumstances.   It should be a red flag when someone insists their way is the only way.  The only best way is that which best serves your family.

Many are turning to birth support personnel to guide them while providing hands-on comfort and support during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period.

You must be selective when choosing a support person.  The key is to retain someone who won’t foist their agenda on you, but rather support you in finding your own custom solutions and path.   For this reason many go with a Momdoulary Certified Professional.  These individuals are educated as birth, postpartum, and antepartum doulas, as well as in areas of childbirth education, parent preparation coaching, and family lifestyle organizing – all from a space that is free of judgment.  They will never tell you what you should choose, but rather help you understand and assess the options,then support you on implementation.  Again, having support in your corner, designed to support you in assessing your needs from an objective place, is a gift most parents need.

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