Caracas Chronicles

Today, as I wrestle with unmanageable morning —and noon and and night— sickness, I’m happy to announce that Carlos and I are expecting a baby. Yay! Still not sure if it’s a little Ana or a little Carlos on the way.

Announcement

Most miscarriages occur during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. And while some want to know the sex of the baby before telling the family, others might be scared of losing their jobs and health benefits.

Let’s get real: waiting three months to tell people is a the kind of first world privilege you can’t afford when you’re facing runaway inflation, shortages and a collapsing currency.

This is why gringo pregnancy books tell you to wait three months before the big reveal. Some even wait until the bump is showing and it’s impossible to avoid the subject -however, never ask women “when is it due?” until you’re sure that it’s a baby.

I got the “POSITIVE” test results via email and after meeting up with Carlos, we immediately spread the good news to all friends and family. Let’s get real: waiting three months to tell people is a the kind of first world privilege you can’t afford when you’re facing runaway inflation, shortages and a collapsing currency. We gotta stock up.

Our parents, Carlos’ brothers and my sister were all on top of our announcement lists. My mom even cried (she’ll kill me for telling on her) and soon we were playing in the “Baby’s Must-Haves League”.

Even if you don’t get along with your boss, worry not.

Next up, I told my coworkers and boss. We’re pretty much family and this way we could start thinking about how our work dynamics would be affected once the baby was born. This announcement turned out to be particularly important, because I’ve been having a pretty tough first trimester and had to reduce my work-load significantly.

But even if you don’t get along with your boss, worry not: according to article 335 of the Labor Act, “the pregnant woman has special protection of labor mobility from the beginning of the pregnancy and up to two (2) years after the birth”. In other words: we -pregnant women- are covered by inamovilidad laboral — basically a blanket firing ban.

Also, according to article 336 of the Labor Act, “the pregnant worker will have the right to a prenatal rest of six (6) weeks before the birth and twenty (20) weeks after the birth, this period can increase following a medical opinion”.

Hey, never say the revolution never did anything for you…where else can a lady straight up puke on your boss and get away with it like this?

Pro Tips

• Tell your boss and coworkers ASAP. You might start feeling sick early on, so it’s better to let them know what’s up. An estimated due date will help your work unit get prepared for your prenatal and postnatal rest. This way, you’ll also be able to get your paperwork in order in case you have maternity privileges as part of your work insurance. And if you think your boss hates you, remember: the law protects you.
• After all the “Congratulations!!!” comes the “let me know if you need anything”. Take everyone up on their word and let them know how they could help you, even if it’s giving you a heads-up when they see diapers or baby formula.