Don't Be Fooled: Maternity Leave is Not a “Vacation” - No Matter What People Say

While the arrival of a newborn is a joyous occasion, the term “maternity leave” can sometimes be misleading. For expectant mothers, visions of poolside relaxation might dance in their heads, but the reality is far different. Maternity leave is a crucial time for bonding with your baby, yes, but it’s also a period of significant physical and emotional adjustment. The truth is, it’s not a vacation disguised as time off work.

The early days, and even weeks, of parenthood, are filled with sleep deprivation, learning breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, and adjusting to a completely new routine. Throw in healing from childbirth and the emotional rollercoaster of hormones, and you have a recipe for something much more demanding than a leisurely break.

However, technology can be a powerful tool for new moms during this transition. Cloud-based veterinary software like Shepherd can be a lifesaver for veterinarians on maternity leave. With Shepherd, you can stay connected to your practice remotely. While the hope is that you can unplug from the clinic and focus on your new little, the harsh reality, especially for practice owners, is that work doesn’t stop when you go on maternity leave. 

How Cloud-Based Software Can Help

Shepherd Veterinary Software allows you to check patient records and appointments and even communicate with colleagues all from the comfort of your home. Features like task management and automated reminders can help you stay organized and contribute to patient care without the physical demands of being in the clinic. That way, you can maintain a sense of continuity and professional connection while prioritizing your well-being and bonding with your newborn.

Remember, maternity leave is a precious time for you and your baby. Don’t be pressured by the “vacation” label. Embrace the process, prioritize your health, and leverage tools like Shepherd to navigate this exciting yet demanding chapter.

Communication is Key

Here are some tips on how you can talk to your boss or other employees about why maternity leave is not a vacation:

1. Reframe the Conversation:

• Instead of saying: “Maternity leave isn’t a vacation!” (which can sound defensive)
• Try: “Maternity leave is a crucial time for bonding with my baby and recovering from childbirth. It’s a period of significant adjustment, not a break from responsibilities.”

2. Highlight the Physical Demands:

• Briefly explain the physical demands of caring for a newborn, including sleep deprivation, learning to feed (breastfeeding or bottle-feeding), and constant attention.
• You can say something like, “The first few weeks are physically demanding. Between feeding schedules, diaper changes, and figuring out sleep routines, there’s little time for rest.”

3. Acknowledge Emotional Changes:

• Briefly mention the emotional rollercoaster new mothers experience due to hormonal changes.
• You can say, “There’s an emotional component to early parenthood as well. Hormonal changes can lead to mood swings and fatigue, adding another layer to the adjustment process.”

4. Set Realistic Expectations:

• Explain that while you might be able to check in occasionally or offer limited support remotely by using Shepherd software, your focus will primarily be on your baby’s needs.
• You can say something like, “While I might be able to check in occasionally or offer some support remotely with Shepherd, my main priority will be caring for my newborn during this time.”

5. Offer Alternative Forms of Support:

• If you’re comfortable, offer alternative ways you can support the team during your leave.
• You can say, “While I’m away, I’m happy to connect colleagues with specific resources or answer any questions they might have based on my experience (if relevant).”

Remember, the goal is to inform and educate your colleagues without sounding critical. By reframing the conversation and highlighting the realities of early parenthood, you can foster better understanding and create a more supportive work environment for new mothers.

Leveraging Shepherd Software to Your Advantage

Shepherd was built to eliminate the unnecessary complexity and friction caused by traditional veterinary practice management software. Because it’s based in the cloud, you can access critical patient information from anywhere with an internet connection, making it perfect for keeping tabs on the clinic from home. Robust communication tools make it easy to connect with your team and clients, while built-in automations help optimize your workflow - without taking away the magical time you get to spend with your new baby. 

To learn more and book a free demo, visit www.shepherd.vet