Advice for Pregnant Entrepreneurs

Hi mama, or soon to be mamas or anyone thinking about being a mom. Jessica here, the founder and EIC of TechSesh. I’m popping in here, because I wanted to get real. I started writing this post a month beforemy first child due and then of course mom brain kicked in. Now my son Jordan is nearing his fourth bday, and I have another on the way… so I thought I would finally finish this post that has been on my mind for a long time. So here it goes!

Having a baby is a big deal. Having a baby while running a business is an even bigger deal. Like many women, I want it all! And starting a family wasn’t going to change my dreams of turning my idea into a business.

Once I started researching for advice, it dawned on me that pregnancy is not something that is openly discussed in the entrepreneurial world. I want to change that. Back then (2019) and now. Now that I’ve been through the pregand t.. you know fatigue and swelling while working in the business, I want to share the details of how to persevere and start the conversation.

I’d be lying if I said the last few months have been easy. My energy is 30% less than what I’m used to, but that hasn’t stopped me from doing it. The minute I found out I was pregnant, my first thought was “oh 💩, I just killed my business and career.”

To leave the momentum I worked so hard to gain and lose it all? The truth is, being an entrepreneur means working through challenges. I’m lucky I was able to give birth to the business before the baby comes and that I’m surrounded by such an amazing community. Yes, I lost some business and (followers), but gained a new local TV features, traveling for branded partnerships, walking 10+ miles around the CES show floor covering the latest in baby 👶 🍼 tech. I’m exhausted. In particular my feet, and maybe my back too...but I feel stronger than ever. There isn’t a manual on how to tackle pregnancy and entrepreneurship, but I wouldn’t trade the past few months for the world. It has taught me that I am capable of so much and can continue to pave the way for women in tech and other fellow mompreneurs.

Here are 10 tips and lessons I’ve learned on my new journey as a mompreneur.

1. Coming to terms that your life is changing

When I found out I was pregnant, my husband and I were ecstatic. Naturally as all soon-to-be parents do, we started talking about how everything would change and how we would juggle it all.

You know your life is changing but how so exactly? Well first off, say goodbye to sleep and hello to low energy. I used to be that person who would wake up early, make breakfast, go to the gym, take two meetings and get work done, come home and cook. Now! I take zero meetings and have 30% the energy I used to have.

With that said, take some time for yourself spend an extra 15 minutes in the bath, go for a walk, relax, do whatever you like to do and just think and digest and acknowledge how you feel. I don’t get as much sleep, but try to make up an hour or so with naps during the day.

There is an idealistic, romantic image of being an entrepreneur, with all the freedoms and joys being your own boss, and for the most part it’s true, (I can nap when I need to and work from home), but there’s a lot more grind involved.

2. There are a lot of ups and downs

When expecting, hormones are flying through my body in epic proportions. I constantly find myself talking to myself and being super in my head. Ask yourself: Who is around you to support you? How could they help you? What would happen to your business? Take some steps to inform AT LEAST those people around you that can support you that you are pregnant. I know a lot of us want to wait for the 3 months to be pass, but you may need their support beforehand. When you are pregnant you can be quite emotional and it can be hard to make decisions sensibly, so talk to your partner about the situation and about how you feel.

3. Really use the times when you’re feeling good

When you’re well (mainly in the second trimester) use the time to make all the progress you need to make to get to where you want to be before the third trimester is up. AKA work your ass off. Plan for your maternity leave if you’re taking any, build a team if you haven’t got one. Don’t assume you have the full 9 months to get things in place, there is always the chance that baby decides to make a very early arrival and you don’t want to be caught off guard.

So overall would I recommend quitting your job and getting pregnant right away? Nope, but if it happens I trust that you can get through it with a little bit of support, so don’t let others make you feel like you can’t.

4. Plan to plan

When you’re well (mainly in the second trimester) use the time to make all the progress you need to make to get to where you want to be before the third trimester is up. AKA work your ass off. Plan for your maternity leave if you’re taking any, build a team if you haven’t got one. Don’t assume you have the full 9 months to get things in place, there is always the chance that baby decides to make a very early arrival and you don’t want to be caught off guard.

5. Flexible schedule

Pregnancy comes with a at least 30 doctor’s appointments and two birthing classes, a trip to Buy Buy Baby and days that you will need to throw away. You need to be ok with the fact that any kind of attempt at a 9-to-5 out the door. Thank you, next!

I often find myself syncing up with my freelancers through text, Google Hangout screenshare and having impromptu brainstorming sessions. Being a pregnant entrepreneur means working when you can — but taking frequent bathroom breaks while looking out for yourself and your baby’s health.

6. Health and balance become more paramount

The third trimester is all about health. You work like crazy during the day and prioritize sleep at night. The life of a CEO is about fast decision-making and being able to connect dots and make logical leaps. Even without pregnancy, startups are a marathon of endurance and diligence.

7. Community is key

A woman’s pregnancy journey is very similar to that of other women. I joined various mommy groups because anytime I had a question, there was another person who had experience with it. Startups are born, grow to the next level, and mature in a pattern. I decided to make my pregnancy part of my business and as a new parent-to-be I hope my channel can be a place to find answers and a bit of entertainment. From reviews of family tech AND baby gear, I'm covering topics related to parenting as a millennial #mompreneur

8. It’s about taking care of what needs to get done

Pregnancy is about taking care of yourself so you can have a healthy baby. Running your own biz.., it’s also just as much about what you do as much as what you choose not to do. For example, today I could have worked on our email marketing strategy more or I could have finished the content calendar and batched content.. It’s all about prioritizing and making decisions quickly.

Remember, you’re going to be a mom! I know it will be challenging, but it can totally be done and it has been done before. (But first, coffee! (under 200mg). Let your confidence shine through and take it one step at a time.

Lead by example and show your baby boy or girl that women can be both a loving mother and successful entrepreneur. Enjoy the journey!

Leave a comment below with your experience and thoughts 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻