You're pregnant! Congrats! You've told your family and friends the big news, now guess who's next — your boss! Telling your boss and coworkers that you're expecting is actually an incredibly fun moment. After all, the people you work with are the ones you see every day — they're going to get to watch you grow each week, and they're pretty much going to be there with you every step of the way: Nausea; cravings; the whole nine. So. How to break the pregnancy news to your boss?
There's a little finesse involved since, you know, you're going to be taking time off for maternity leave and doctor's appointments; but at the same time, telling your boss can be really fun (if you have a good relationship; if you don't, it can get a little tricky).
Here are 5 ways to share your pregnancy news with your boss:
1. Ask her to coffee or lunch. We live in such an email-driven world right now that when people ask for actual face-to-face time, it isn't only odd … it's actually kind of nice. Being in a setting that's more casual than your office will help take the edge off a little (and may feel like a little more neutral ground). And if you buy someone a cupcake, how can they not love you a little?
2. Email her. Or you can go the opposite route. Depending on what your relationship is like with your boss, you can construct a formal note, informing him or her of your pregnancy; or you can add it as a "P.S." in work-related email. I suggest you have a fairly good rapport with your boss if you decide to go with the latter.
3. Announce it in a meeting. Again, you probably want to be sure you and your boss are on solid ground if you go this route, but it can be a really fun way in that everyone will likely be excited for you — the energy will be fantastic! I actually announced my own pregnancy to my coworkers as a group. We were supposed to be taste-testing wine, and I opted out — I felt like it was really obvious, so I just blurted it out. Everyone was happy for me; it was an amazing moment!
4. Bring in a doctor's note. Some businesses actually will want this from you, while for others, it's just a cute way to break the news. Odds are you've missed some work for doctor's appointments. Hand your boss your note when you get into the office one day — 'nuff said!
5. Wear a "Baby on Board" pin and wait for the questions. Hey, if it's good enough for Kate Middleton, it's good enough for you.
Note: It's a probably good idea to tell your boss before your colleagues, as it's the courteous and respectful thing to do, but one important thing to remember is: Do not feel guilty when telling your boss! Getting pregnant is a reason to celebrate, not apologize!
