Updated at: 05-12-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Maternity leave is not a luxury that can be afforded by all. Honestly, in our view? Get ready early so you can enjoy it all with your new baby. Here are some strategies employed by the experts to ensure that your holiday is the most enjoyable possible.

Ways to Actually Enjoy Your Maternity Leave

Get Organized Early

After telling your manager that you’re pregnant, it’s time to talk to human resources about your leave options and how long your job will be held for you. Find out the leave policies in your state at ncsl.org.

Then, make it a priority to finish up any outstanding job assignments well in advance of your due date, as the new addition to your family may arrive early. Copy your coworkers on emails and make detailed notes on the job you’re taking on. It’s also an excellent time to discuss what you hope to accomplish during your vacation. Would you be able to occasionally answer your phone or check your email? Please provide the times that you will be accessible.

Things to Do on Maternity Leave | Peanut

Prearrange Some Help

We know how hard it may be during those first few weeks with a new baby, so here’s some advice: lean on your loved ones for help.

My mother, for instance, excelled at grocery shopping but was completely ineffective when it came to rousing us in the middle of the night for feedings. Pete was a great friend to have when I was lonely, but he was a total dud at changing diapers. The sooner you obtain help, the more likely it is that you will have a nice time in the future.

Test Gear

My mother, for instance, excelled at grocery shopping but was completely ineffective when it came to rousing us in the middle of the night for feedings. Pete was a great friend to have when I was lonely, but he was a total dud at changing diapers. The sooner you obtain help, the more likely it is that you will have a nice time in the future.

My mom was great at getting groceries, but she was terrible at getting up in the middle of the night to nurse my daughter. Pete was great company, but he was useless when it came to changing diapers. Getting help at the beginning increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.

Get The Right Diaper Bag

Don’t hold your breath for the perfect little bundle of joy if that’s what you’re after. As a result, finding the proper bag can be a time-consuming process; without it, going out and having fun will be a lot less convenient.

Bottles, burp cloths, a changing pad, your wallet, keys, and phone, if you’re not breastfeeding, will all need to be packed in your luggage.

& The Right Diapers

Do your homework and pick a brand that meets your needs and your budget, as you will be replacing many of them. With the new baby’s frequent diaper changes, leak protection is less of an issue. Diapers with plenty of stretch should be on your radar right now. You’ll be grateful for a diaper that can be used for the first few months of your baby’s life without having to be replaced.

Understand Your Insurance

There will be a lot of forms for you to fill out both before and after the birth of your child. Dana Paiz, a physician’s assistant in Grand Rapids, Michigan, found out the hard way that she needed to file a claim with her short-term disability insurance company before she could take her leave of absence. After the birth of her child, she recalls, “we needed to call again from the hospital so they could begin paying my short-term disability.”

In some cases, you may also need to notify your health insurance company within the first 30 days after the birth of your kid. In order to remember this when sleep deprivation sets in, gather the information now and set a reminder in your calendar.

Accept That The First Weeks Will Be Hard

For some reason, my husband and I were so foolish that we thought we could just take advantage of my extra vacation time and jet off to Europe. Do you think there’s any validity to this? There is a lot of adjusting to do in those first few weeks after a baby is born.

Baby is adjusting to life outside the womb, you’re adjusting to the lack of sleep and the continual leakage of breastfeeding, and your partner is adjusting to his new role as a father. It’s best not to put undue pressure on oneself to be sociable or productive right now, when merely taking a trip around the block could feel like a huge achievement.

Explore Your Neighborhood

If you want to keep your sanity, you should get up and go outside at least once a day. Before heading out with the family, do some homework to find the finest stroller-friendly areas and playgrounds for young children. You wouldn’t want to try taking your baby out to eat at a neighborhood establishment and have problems since the space is too tight for your stroller or you have to awkwardly hold your baby while you do so.

Arrange (Mom) Fun

There is only so much socializing that a new mom and her infant can handle. It was common for me to be unable to sleep when left alone with a sleeping baby, and yet too fatigued to do anything productive. I would have rather spent the time catching up on the movies I’d missed or reading a trashy novel.

A terrible case of Mommy Brain prevented me from remembering the titles of those books. Make a list of the movies you want to see and the books you want to read, and then visit a used bookstore to stock up on each to avoid falling into this trap.

Make Mommy Friends

Being a new mother might be lonely if your social network has dispersed. If you’re expecting and you see another pregnant woman at Starbucks, you should definitely strike up a discussion with her. At a crossing on my maternity leave, I started talking to a complete stranger. It came out that we shared a building, and that our children, who were born two weeks apart, shared a name. After that, we became fast friends.

See if your local obstetrician, physician, religious institution, or city’s official website may point you in the direction of new mother support groups. There are a number of approaches to discovering communities. Those of us who co-sleep or breastfeed may not be suited to the strict bedtime, no snacking before supper approach advocated by supermoms.

Arrange Child Care

While you will definitely need child care within the first few weeks of your vacation, this is not the best time to begin your search. Depending on your location, child care waiting lists can be anywhere from six months to a year long, so it’s vital to start exploring well in advance of your due date.

Seek recommendations from people you know and trust for a reliable babysitter or nanny. Try out Care.com in addition to the other available options. Preparing for child care as soon as possible is essential, as your leave will fly by.

Start Saving

There’s a decent possibility that you’ll require more funds to cover your time off. Heffelmire said, “We started saving money nearly as soon as we found out I was pregnant,” referring to her 12 weeks of unpaid leave with her first son and her 12 weeks of partially compensated leave with her second kid. Spending even a little bit each day for nine months might add up to a significant sum. I attempted to put away enough money to pay our “musts” for three months, such as our mortgage, food, and utility bills.

Get your baby insured

Let’s begin by establishing the background. You have 30 days from the time of your child’s birth to make contact with your insurance company and secure coverage for her.

The hospital will send you a charge for the newborn’s care whether or not you agree to pay it. But they have been accustomed to it. Obtaining their SSN is a must, thus you have roughly two weeks to wait. Our hospital assisted with the necessary documentation for her Social Security number and birth certificate.

It’s a good idea to set a reminder on your phone for each of those things, as well as the insurance enrollment date for your newborn.

Have professional photos taken ASAP

Better sooner than later. Ideally, within the first week. Why? As a result of their rapid development, that is.

Around the 10 day mark (along with the first predicted round of cluster feeding), they experience a growth spurt and their face begins to change.

Around day 10, coinciding with the first round of predictable cluster feeding, they experience a growth spurt and their appearance begins to alter.

Get familiar with your baby book

Around the 10 day mark (coincident with the onset of the first predictable and regular feeding), noticeable changes to the face emerge.

As soon as the baby is born, the basics can and should be added (weight, length, time of birth, first visitors). This is just in case you do! However, additional work remains.

Review the material over and again, making notes on what could be added. I say this because I didn’t write down a few things in my book since I didn’t know where to place them. Ignore my example… Seeing empty baby books always tears my heart.

It’s helpful to have a mental list of baby’s firsts, such words, rolls, and trips, so you can jot them down when they happen in the journal.

Realize a new routine

As the seasons change, so do the baby’s daily behaviors. Although each week presents its own challenges, you should always follow your gut instincts. Make the most of this time away from work to concentrate on yourself and the things that are most important to you.

You should prioritize your health by creating and sticking to a solid daily regimen. The topic of baby care seems to be the topic du jour, but I’d like to stress the need of self-care for the expecting woman. The question is whether or not the woman was happier before the baby was. Chicken or the egg?

Seriously. I’m looking for a buddy.

Start journaling

Journaling is a great way to remember your day-to-day activities and appreciate the little things that happen throughout the day. I find comfort in reading old journals, no matter how humiliating they may be (and they definitely are).

A journal doesn’t have to be time-consuming. These notebooks with a single line for each day will be a hit with new mothers. Keeping track of the day’s highlights — whether they be funny or unpleasant — on paper can help you recall them with more clarity afterwards.

Reach out to work

Even though this is the very last thing I want to do, I have no choice but to do it.

The HR professional who assisted me in getting my daughter insured said that new mothers are required to “check in” with their employers once a week throughout their maternity leave.

A “rule of thumb” doesn’t sound like anything that can be relied upon, in my opinion. However, developing communication channels is crucial. The employer should not contact her directly but should instead expect a call from her.

In my opinion, an email should suffice.

Solidify care plans

What can we anticipate from your return to work, if and when it occurs? I was wondering where your application stood. Will your mother-in-law be acting as a nanny or grandparent to your children? Is that something you’ve yet to figure out?

It is now time!

Even if you *think* you’ve reached your conclusion weeks or months ago, don’t be timid in sharing it. Determine their availability and agree upon a mutually convenient time to meet. Decide on crucial matters by pondering the right questions and reaching the right conclusions.

Arrange back-up care (x2)

As a working mother, nothing is more inconvenient than sick days. For you and the people taking care of your newborn.

In the event that the nanny becomes unwell and has take a day off work, who would care for the infant? Will you have to take time off of work? Can you do it? The question of whether or not you can afford a temporary caregiver is crucial.

If the babysitter becomes sick and requires a day off, who will take care of the child? What kind of work absence are we talking about here? Can you do it? There is a lot of weight on the question of whether or not you can afford a temporary caregiver.

Get involved in a mommy group

Where would the baby go if the nanny became ill? How much time off work will you need to take? Is it something you could do? Can you afford to hire a caretaker to fill in at the last minute?

One of the local hospitals offered a support group for new mothers, and I really wish I had gone. Initially, I thought it would only help stay-at-home mothers. Even if I’m right, I wish I’d found a way to connect with other women going through the same things.

Postpartum check up

An OBGYN will typically require you to schedule your appointment 6 weeks in advance. If they continue to reject, you must take action.

Moms require some love and attention, too! I can’t possibly overlook you, because of how important you are. They will also clear you to go back to work. Having a doctor’s statement stating that I was “well enough to work” was a requirement for my position.

How to Negotiate and Plan for Your Maternity Leave | FlexJobs

Ease into exercise

If your doctor gives you the okay, you can start working out. It’s safe to assume that you can (and probably should be) moving around during your time off from work, and it’s a great opportunity to establish new healthy habits. You never truly possess anything until you put it to use.

No, I don’t think you should start going to CrossFit, but I do want to stress the importance of staying active. The thought of it makes me shudder; it’s agony, haha.

Since your body can’t handle much right now, any little bit will help. Simple exercises like walking or kegels are fine. Do whatever you want with that!

There must be planning and allotting of time for this. I have no doubt that you are motivated to lose the baby weight.

Scope out the local parks

In order to maximize the benefits of your strolls, you should always have a certain endpoint in mind. The playground’s quirky baby swings won’t entertain a newborn, but you might start to have strong feelings about the playgrounds in your area.

It’s fun for me to try to find the worst and the best in any situation.

Trees so large that they provide shade? PLUS! Where would I find a gang of teenage cigarette smokers? Oh, thank goodness. There is simply *no way*

Take progression pictures

You’ve seen them before. Your baby and you both come out ahead in this scenario. If you do this, your friends and family (and possibly even your internet followers) will be eternally grateful to you.

Even though I’m a total newbie, I now have something to work with rather than nothing. Because I was returning to work after a 12-week hiatus, I made sure to choose a posture, setting, and time of day that would be easy for anyone to imitate.

Treat yo’self

Don’t forget to look after yourself. We can’t hold infants in our arms forever. After taking time off to raise a child, returning to work can be more challenging than the maternity break itself.

It is my sincerest hope that you will not waste any more of your time on this. I hope you’ll treat yourself to whatever brings you joy, be it a spa day, a trip to the mall, or a day at the salon.

Once I got back to work after my maternity leave, I stopped thinking about the fact that I was pregnant. It was also enjoyable to spend a few hours being pampered in a beauty salon. I also used this time to get ready for my upcoming return to the workplace.

Get a haircut

USE CAUTION WHEN TRAVELING.

For some reason, watching Mom Haircuts makes me feel a lot of different emotions. These pages contain every piece of information you may possibly need.

However, haircuts merit inclusion on this list for the following reasons:

  • You wear your hair in a bun or a top knot most of the time.
  • Your hair should be trimmed every three months.

I won’t sugarcoat it; I’m not a big lover of having my hair cut. I can’t afford them since I’m constantly trying to lengthen my hair instead.

A new haircut can make you seem and feel more professional in the workplace. The importance of this cannot be overstated.

Pack your pumping bag

Will you be adding workplace pumping to your to-do list?

During my vacation from work to have a baby, I struggled to pump, so the concept was foreign to me.

It was important to me to continue breastfeeding while working full-time, so I did what I could to make do without a lot of food in the freezer (and I did).

Putting the baby down for a pumping session is a HUGE help. It’s a fantastic pretext for stepping away from your desk for a while. That’s an ideal scenario, to put it mildly.

I’ve included a straightforward pumping bag packing list for your benefit.

Build a baby capsule wardrobe

A newborn capsule wardrobe has been the single greatest time-saver. Of course, baby clothes can be rather lovely, but the baby itself is already so cute that there’s no need! I don’t have the time to put together a bazillion different outfits.

Since my child was born, I’ve worked hard to keep his or her life as straightforward as possible. There are a few things that are soft, washable, basic, and simple to maintain. It’s great that you can ditch those old shorts without having to toss out the rest of your outfit.

You know I’m joking. But I have to be serious here. It’s a little awkward to show her out to the world in mismatched clothes, but my maternal brain makes me care less about her clothes and style than it otherwise would. Speculations our imaginations are capable of producing are very terrifying.

I’ll detail everything I think you need in a subsequent article. This article has been under development for quite some time, and it is still not complete. Baby clothes aren’t exactly high up on my list of priorities, though.

Host a Baby-Q

It’s also known as “Sips & Sees,” but I call it “Baby-Q” for short. My friend in Chicago hosted one, and I immediately fell in love with the concept.

She threw a baby shower for her close friends and family back in her hometown during her maternity leave. Don’t you feel ecstatic?

We won’t be rushing to see everyone on our list. Enjoy the company of your guests and the arrival of their well wishes and presents while you sit back, relax, and enjoy being a mother.

Truth be told, one of the main reasons I want a baby is so that I can host a Baby-Q with a fun theme.

Baby proofing prep

In reference to infants, I use the word “preparation” because they are incapable of taking any action (but poop and sleep and eat). People kept asking me if I had baby-proofed the house when I was expecting. In those first few years, the need to baby proof seems ridiculous in its absurdity.

No need to install plastic locks on the toilet or drawers just yet. You should start making these kind of plans while you’re still on maternity leave. Babyproofing your home should begin far before your infant can pull up on furniture.

I started making mental notes on surrounding toxins, loose or shaky furniture, and other potential hazards at this point. While it’s important to address these concerns right away, baby-proofing eventually requires a change in one’s lifestyle. I agree that this is worthy of its own thread.

I started making mental notes on surrounding toxins, loose or shaky furniture, and other potential hazards at this point. Those concerns need immediate attention, but infant proofing really just requires a paradigm adjustment. Also, that needs its own blog entry!

I started making a list of all the potentially dangerous features, like loose floorboards, unstable furniture, and open containers of toxic substances. Ultimately, though, baby proofing requires more of a mental shift than anything else. That also deserves its own entry.

FAQs

How do you pass time during maternity leave?

When to Take Maternity Leave and How to Make It Worthwhile

  1. Set Goals That You Can Achieve.
  2. Record your thoughts.
  3. Use this time to think on the past and plan for the future.
  4. Set Baby Goals for Yourself.
  5. Get Used to Your New Situation.
  6. Embrace the Now.

When you should stop working when pregnant?

Most women are unable to carry out their regular responsibilities after the 32nd or 34th week of pregnancy. Many women’s priorities shift when they become mothers, which can factor into their decision to stop working.

How long before due date should I take maternity leave?

Maternity leave often cannot begin earlier than 11 weeks before the expected date of birth. If your baby arrives early or if you are unable to work for another reason linked to your pregnancy, you may need to start your maternity leave earlier than expected.

How can I stop being bored on maternity leave?

Submit an application to your neighborhood library. Maternity leave is a great time to catch up on some reading. It’s a great way to keep your mind sharp. Join the library before you have a baby and borrow as many books as you like to prepare for parenthood.

Can maternity leave start before baby is born?

Some pregnant women start taking time off work a week or even a month before their due date, either because of discomfort or the need for extra time to prepare. Consequently, some people put off making preparations for the arrival of their child until the very last minute.

Can you work 8 months pregnant?

Women can usually keep working throughout their pregnancies. Pregnant women may experience challenges in the workplace as a result. If you want to be healthy and productive at work, you need to know how to deal with the most common pregnancy discomforts.

Can I take maternity leave at 38 weeks?

The state of California guarantees all working mothers the right to take 36 weeks of paid leave for childbirth, regardless of whether or not they have paid into the state’s Social Security Disability Insurance fund. A woman can continue working up until she gives birth if she so chooses.

Can I go back to work 2 weeks after having a baby?

Typically, new parents are granted six weeks of “disability” leave after the birth of a child. Some women may be able to return to work sooner than others, depending on the demands of their profession and the quantity of care they receive at home.

What should I do on maternity leave before baby arrives?

In some cases, you may be able to take some time off work before the birth of your child (depending on your situation and the work laws in your state or country).

But how do you intend to occupy your leisure time? Many factors should be taken into account:

  • Get used to the idea that you won’t be working for a while. It’s very reasonable for some moms to have trouble turning off emotionally. However, remember that you are legally entitled to a leave of absence from work throughout your maternity leave. It’s important to let your coworkers know your plans before you go.
    Make sure you’re prepared for the big day by mapping out your strategy in advance. Is there a medical kit by the entrance? Check. Is there a route that doesn’t take you through the construction zones on the way to the hospital? Check. Having a baby at home is another viable option. You should prepare ahead of time so that your little sprout doesn’t throw any curveballs at you.
  • Verify that you haven’t forgotten anything essential. Oh no, your aunt’s high chair doesn’t fit your baby? You can’t find the baby’s pacifiers, can you? That’s it, there’s only one sleepwear option? You can never remember everything.
    • Check that everything is in order and give it another read-through. The high chair your aunt gave you doesn’t work, right? Have you misplaced your baby’s pacifiers? These are the only pajamas I own. Try as you might, you inevitably leave something out.
    • Bring in the basics. If you’re expecting a baby, you should probably stock up on toilet paper before the second day. Jot down a long list of all the mundane things you’ll need to keep going.
    • Pack light; you won’t have room for much. Don’t be caught without toilet paper on postpartum day two. Create a detailed inventory of everything you’ll need to survive the long haul.
    • Get the essentials in place first. On the second day after giving birth, toilet paper is an absolute must. Don’t forget anything essential for getting through the day.
    • Chill. This is something that should be on any list of things to accomplish during maternity leave. Get some rest and catch up on Netflix in one sitting. The time spent sleeping and recharging will prove useful.

Practical things to do on maternity leave (after baby arrives)

The item has only recently arrived. Congrats! While on Maternity Leave, What Should You Do? You must be up for the challenge if you typed “what to do while on maternity leave” into Google.

  • Rest. Very narrowly taking first place. Even if you’re in a good mood, taking some time to rest and rejuvenate is necessary. Relax as much as possible.
    I repeat, get the heck out of here. This item is more of a requirement than a luxury, thus it gets put on the realistic list. When there is no one else in the area, the atmosphere might get stifling. One of the best ways to center oneself and get perspective is by a daily stroll around the block.
    Contact your insurance company immediately. When you have a baby, it’s important to let your health insurance company know so they can start paying for the newborn’s medical expenses. We know that you probably won’t be doing much celebrating during your maternity leave.
    Assessing the financial situation. Some moms start putting money away as soon as they have a kid, so they can pay for college. Some people are looking forward to winding down at the end of their vacation. An examination of your financial situation is prudent right now.
    Verify the provisions of your daycare. Taking a week or so off at the end of maternity leave to try out a nanny, babysitter, or even granny can ease the transition back into the workforce.
    Getting ready to go back to work You may have a hard time getting back into the swing of things at work. If your employer is flexible, you could ease into the position by working fewer hours at first.

What can I do to make money while on maternity leave?

Taking an unpaid leave of absence from work is challenging for many mothers. However, there are a variety of opportunities to earn money during maternity leave.

How to go about planning a business while on maternity leave

If you have skills like writing, social media management, or voice acting, freelancing from home could be an alternative for you. Depending on your skills and interests, you may also be asked to help out with administrative or accounting duties. You could also take some courses online if that’s more convenient.

One such website where you can sell your handmade wares is Etsy (others are available). There are several online resources for finding freelance work. Google is a great resource for finding companies who are wanting to hire freelancers.

Fun maternity leave activities – for when you have the energy

While on maternity leave, what are some enjoyable activities you may participate in? What follows is a list of potential outcomes:

  • It’s wise to document each day in some way. The positive effects on your memory and your sanity should not be underestimated. Writing down your feelings in a journal can be cathartic and may also help you see things more clearly.
  • Get the gang together and have a get-together. Having people drop by all the time can be annoying, but inviting loved ones over to marvel at the new A-lister is a great way to pass the time.
  • Take advantage of a quiet evening at home. You probably won’t be leaving the house tonight. At home, you can create a relaxing atmosphere by lighting candles and preparing a tasty meal.
  • Make an album to display your pictures. You’ll be glad you recorded these moments now.
  • Do something different today. Hobbies in the arts can also be full-time professions. Except for that, it’s a place to unwind.
  • Get away for a while. After your maternity leave is up, you and your child might want to take a trip. A small percentage of mothers actually use their maternity leave to see the world. Just about everybody can afford to take a short trip within driving distance, even if it’s just for the weekend.

Do I get paid for additional maternity leave?

The answer is probably not if you go back to work within 30 days after your maternity leave ends.

While some employers may allow employees to take unpaid sick or vacation time during this period, this is the exception rather than the rule. There is a huge range in maternity pay policies across countries, so it’s best to check with your human resources department before taking more than 12 weeks of unpaid FMLA.

How should I wear my hair during pregnancy?

A pregnant woman can wear her hair in any number of ways, and there is no one “wrong” choice. When it comes to convenience, most women opt for braids (especially boho braids) or a messy bun. Women who are pregnant and have a sensitivity to smells may have trouble putting their hair down, even if it is curled or waved (which tends to happen around weeks 20-24).

Maternity Dress Styles: How To Wear Maternity Clothes?

There is no longer any need for expecting mothers to feel less than fabulous about their appearance as the selection of fashionable maternity clothes available to purchase online continues to expand. It may take some time and effort on your part to choose the perfect costume, as there are so many to pick from. If you’re going for a relaxed yet put-together style, dresses and skirts are fantastic choices, while leggings and tights are more practical and cozy.

Can you just size up for maternity clothes?

It’s possible that pregnant women can’t just “size up” from their pre-baby wardrobes. There are many items you’ll need to buy during your pregnancy, and they’re not just enlarged versions of things you already own. A pregnant lady might not be able to wear a particular pair of pants, for instance, if they don’t provide enough room for her growing belly.

Maternity clothes are specially designed to accommodate a growing belly while still looking good.

Can my employer refuse to extend my maternity leave?

Yes! Many companies wrongly believe they do not have to pay for any additional time you need off work due to a pregnancy. Most countries have laws that mandate additional time off for mothers who take the standard 12 weeks of unpaid leave after giving birth. Even if this happens, your firm may still refuse to pay you if they are in this category.

Is it OK to wear leggings while pregnant?

For the reason that you can’t just replace tights with leggings. Unlike tights, which have seams at the toes and tend to be more restrictive around the feet, leggings have no elasticity and will expand along with your body without impeding movement.

What clothes to avoid pregnancy?

Clothes that cling to your hips, waist, and bust. Belts and other elastic closures should be avoided if at all possible. Instead, you may get yourself a pair of fashionable maternity pants, which are designed to let more air through around the waist.

Can pregnant women eat fish?

Yes! Pregnant women should eat plenty of canned light tuna because it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for the health of the mother’s fetus and the development of the baby’s nervous system and brain (not albacore).

Vitamin B12, essential for creating healthy red blood cells, is abundant in fish. Calcium, necessary for strong bones and teeth and brain function, is better absorbed with the help of the vitamin D it contains.

In order to stay under the safe daily consumption of 2 g of mercury, seafood with a high mercury level, such as king mackerel or swordfish, should be consumed no more than twice per week. Women who are expecting a child will find this recommendation particularly useful because they have been consuming them daily throughout their entire pregnancy.

If a pregnant woman eats raw fish, she risks harming herself and her unborn child from parasites that live in uncooked or undercooked shellfish.

Women who are expecting should not consume more than 12 ounces of fish per week, and that amount includes canned tuna. Pregnant women, whose immune systems are still maturing, should avoid eating raw shellfish since it may contain harmful germs and viruses that can cause food poisoning even if cooked.

If a woman is pregnant, she shouldn’t take any of these drugs because of the potential dangers they pose to her and her baby.