Hi all,

I wanted to find out how other VAs handled their "maternity leave" from their practice? I've already notified my clients about the upcoming birth (in February), & everyone is happy & willing to be flexible (thank God) - but I haven't officially decided on how to handle the actual time away. I'm a one-woman show, & have started putting together a memo to send out, but I'm just curious on how others approached it.

Did you flat out take X amount of time off - without being available at all - or did you ease back into work as you felt able & allowed communication during your time off too? Any tips, tricks, policies, etc. will be appreciated - thanks in advance for sharing!

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shana
www.shanafore.com

Hi Shana,

This is a great question and kind of falls in with vacation time and holiday time.

I suggest coming up with an amount of time away from your computer and healing. Such as 3 days in the hospital, and 4 days of healing etc.

Do you have assistance at home, such as a husband, boyfriend, family member that can help you with the baby? If not you could hire a baby sitter to come in while you get back to work.

I worked about 6 days after having my daughter. I was healed and healthy. Sitting at the computer or having my laptop in bed with me was convenient.

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Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

Congratulations, Shana, on the new addition to your family in February. How exciting. (My daughter is expecting baby boy #3 on February 20) As Andrea mentioned above, you might appreciate the business once you get home with the baby. It could be something that you need to fill the time between naps and feedings.

One option for you is to find another VA that you know and trust with your clients. Someone to fill in for a few weeks with the extra work you do not want to do or feel you have the time to do. If you can partner with someone, your clients might not even have to know that you will be away from the office. That way you don't risk loosing your client if they need something done while you are gone.

Whatever you do, enjoy the new baby. Congratulations.

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Pam
www.adminetcetera.com

Shana congratulations on your new little one - how exciting.

I agree this is similiar to any other time off situation, how have you handled vacations, sick days, etc up to this point? As solopreneurers a lot of us don't consider it until it comes up. As Action Jackson suggested identifying and having an associate VA or partner would be the best choice.

Creating that relationship now in preparation for the birth of your baby will not only give you the needed time now but also in the future when other "days off" are required.

Good luck with the baby and let us know what you decide.

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Cindy
www.eoseasy.comThe Chrysalis Plan

Shana:

I think that as long as you have notified your clients and they are willing to be flexible that you are in good shape. I would let your clients know that if they have urgent work and you are not up to doing it that you will forward it to a trusted fellow VA (with the client's approval of course). This gives you time to rest and heal, but it also let's your clients know that you have not ditched them! Maybe contact a fellow VA and have them monitor your email & phone for urgent messages from clients or have your away message (email & phone) give the contact info for your fellow VA.
After having three children myself, I know that even if you are not hurting, you will need the time just to rest and build up your energy.

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Kathy
www.theofficevirtuoso.com

Thanks for all the replies so far (& the congrats - we're excited)! Both my DH & I work from home so there will be assistance which will definitely help us both out. I already know I have to be fully out for at least the first week b/c ALL the grandparents are coming to visit & there won't be any time to even deal with client requests - but I think I would take that time away anyhow just to get home & start seeing how taking care of a newborn is going to work. lol

I'm still torn on how long beyond that week to take though - I've got different people telling me different things of course as that just comes with the territory. lol But, finding a partner to help out may not be a bad idea, I just don't know if that will work for my situation at this time - I'll have to think on that some more. Fortunately, my clients are all very flexible & treat me well, & all have kids, so they do understand.

Anyhow, thanks again for the opinions so far - they have been helpful. If anyone else would care to share what they did or are going to do, I appreciate it - I'm all ears!!!

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shana
www.shanafore.com