People like to do this weird thing--they like to label inanimate objects and things as their babies. Until your so-called baby a.k.a your car or business performs Tim Tebow-like football plays in your stomach, you’re banned from making any more hyperbolic comparisons.

Carrying a kid to full-term is rough. Try that magic trick while building a business.

If you were hoping for a “pregnancy is your superpower and you can do anything” post, think again. We want to be realistic. We want to take into consideration best and worst-case scenarios. And while pregnancy is not a disability, it’s a game changer and alters one’s life. 

Our founder, Alexandra Cristin, got pregnant while building her first business. She pushed through though…with help! She hired a nanny. More on that in another blog post.   
Whatever your current situation is, we want to give you tips on managing both your pregnancy and business.  

Get Organized 
Each trimester looks and feels different. Bearing this in mind, you have to get organized. Make sure to handle certain things now, so they won’t interrupt your maternity leave. If feasible, don’t schedule doctor appointments and business meetings on the same day. The waits at the doctors' are unpredictable. You don’t want to cancel on your clients last minute. Hey, things happen, but you don’t want to make it a habit. Utilizing calendar reminders will be your best friend. Believe it or not, pregnancy brain is real. The likelihood of having brain fog or being forgetful during pregnancy is said to be related to hormonal changes. 

Motherhood will require you to be great at multitasking-- why not start now?!
 
Hire a Virtual Assistant 
“What? I’m having a baby- I can’t afford to spend money now.” If you made up your mind that you’re not putting your business on pause while you’re pregnant, you have to remain thinking like a boss. Someone needs to answer the phones and follow up with clients when you’re at your doctor's appointments and preparing for the arrival of your baby. Also, you have to into account, you’re eating and performing activities for two people. Sometimes that causes fatigue. You need someone to step in when “mama just needs a nap.” 

Create a Baby & Business Friendly Budget  
Yes, we just told you to hire a virtual assistant for your business. That’s because having extra help can yield great results. However, you don’t have to get the expensive stroller your favorite celebs or influencers have. Create a budget that takes into account the likelihood of a dip in sales and business while you build a bond with your new baby during the first three or so months of their life. 

Lean on Your Support System 
No, you’re not handicapped (maybe you are). However, don’t be afraid to reach out to your support system for help. Perhaps you need a ride to the post office to drop off orders or you need a companion to the doctor’s office. If you have people in your life who are willing and able to provide assistance, embrace them, and don’t shun them in the name of being a superwoman. 

Journal Your Feelings 
Hormonal changes in your pregnant body can cause a seesaw of emotions. Your feelings, no matter how nonsensical they seem, are valid. Write them sh*t down. And while you’re journaling your feelings, don’t forget to write down your affirmations. The ushering of new life means a shift in mindset and the creation of new affirmations. Remember, now you’re dreaming and manifesting for two.
 
Often, expectant moms with businesses or who hold executive roles find themselves in a tough spot. They don’t want to perpetuate the stereotype that moms can’t be bosses, but they experience mom guilt if they are not fully tapped in into their maternal side. Striking a great balance between loving what you do and being a parent will take trial and error. You don’t have to have it all figured out. And the last thing you want to do is to give up on your dreams completely because now you’re a parent.

Energy is transferable. The same way you shouldn’t operate a business without excitement or purpose applies to parenting. 

And one of the most crucial things you’ll learn while building a business and being pregnant or parenting is that you can’t do it alone and shouldn’t have to!