Any Self employed mums to be out there....

[salempickles]

Im not pregnant just yet but we are trying and have been for about a year, Ive recently become self employed and as its early days for the business (Im a dressmaker so work from home and can choose my own hours), am i being a bit stupid trying to get pregnant during this time, Im 31 so i feel Im more than ready, been with my dp for 11 years we have our own house, we manage quite well on my dp's income so anything i make we see as extra,

would love to hear other self employed people's stories, how did you find having to go back to work early (this doesn't bother me at all really as i said i choose the hours and when i work, so dont feel forced into anything, )

[Cattleprod]

Go for it! We're in a recession, so there is less work around, and you might as well have a baby while you build up your business, especially if there's no pressure on you to have to make money.

Make sure you are registered for tax, national insurance etc. so you will be eligible for maternity allowance.

Work-wise, I found the first 6 months or so quite easy - just plonk the baby on the workshop floor. Gets more tricky as they start rolling and crawling, so I'd advise organising some sort of childcare for a couple of days a week from this point to give you time to concentrate on your business. It's amazing how much you can get done in a day if you organise your time!

[salempickles]

Hi, thanks for your reply, id definatly rather be doing my business than trying to still find a job whilst being pregnant, thankfully im able to do so and what you said about just plonking the baby on the workshop floor is exactly how id imagined it to be.

Im already registered as self employed so will look into maternity pay when the time comes, thanks for the advice though,much appreciated!

[banana87]

I fell pregnant very shortly after starting my own business. It worked out very well as when I was on leave I ended up bringing in loads of new clients and ended up going back before DD was 3 months. I did only go back 1/2 day per week initially and then increased this as DD got older. Use the time off to promote your business and then gradually ease back in would be my best advice!

[MsChanandlerBong]

Hi. I was made redundant just before I found out i was pregnant. I tried to get a new job before the pregnancy became evident, but failed. But actually that was great news for me, as I am now in the process of setting up my own business. DD is due next month, and I plan to 'go live' at the beginning of April, meaning I will be doing background work/setting things up from about January I reckon.

I have chosen the business I am going to set up specifically to work around having a baby/child. And it sounds like being a dress maker will give you brilliant flexibility with regards to that. I guess we need to recognise that it won't always be easy, but IMO it will be more straight forward than being a working mum who has to go out to the office (or wherever) each day.

Congratulations on your baby and your business!

[Saffra]

I would also say to go for it!

I work for myself and am currently 34 weeks pregnant. If you can control how busy work is and also if you do not rely on the income, then that sounds like a great situation to be in.

I'm 34 and had previous complications, so although I was pouring my heart and soul into my business, I thought it would be silly to wait. I fell pg and I have spent a lot of time in the pregnancy getting things in place so that I can (hopefully!) run motherhood and my business in parallel.

Good luck with everything - wishing you all the very best :)