Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Hello,

I started working at new place in march, and in April I found out I’m pregnant. Since then I only took one sick leave, and then I got Covid19 from the centre, I had to take one week off.
One day this week I was throwing up and very weak, I threw up 3 times. I asked to go home early and manager said no staff to cover me, so I had to stay. She was really annoyed that I asked to leave early. (The manager is also pregnant and she offered me her medicine and told me that it will help me, I said I have to ask my doctor. The doctor said it’s too strong as I’m in my early weeks. Can she offer me medicine??)
The next day I called in sick but she said no and I had to come to work. But I didn’t go. I’m really scared to go back on Monday.
Sorry for the long story. But I actually need help?

Thank you

Hello,

First of all, congratulations that you are going to be a mom soon!! I am really sorry to hear that you are going into a tough situation. It is really tough to fight with covid-19, pregnancy sicknesses. And being forced to work in this situation is just like anything. But I think you also know that after covid many of the childcare units are running through a scarcity of childcare educators. It really becomes hard to manage at this time without you. So, morally and ethically the incident could not be supported, but thinking of the situation demand, your manager becomes a bit tough on you. But you have done a good job that you denied having medicine without asking the doctor. But trust me, I believe that you can make it as we mothers are a whirl of superpower.

As you said, you didn't go to work even after sick leave get declined, so a hot environment with some hotter talk may arise on coming days when you will be there. So be prepared for it and handle the situation calmly and positively.

Thanks
Nandita