Fellow teachers after BFP!

After having got a BFP I know it’s early days but I’m really anxious about going back to School. I’m a secondary school teacher and I’m afraid that I will become stressed. Many of the pupils have very challenging behaviour which is difficult at the best of times. Any tips for staying calm?

[Rachwithers]

Hi, I teach year 1 so different stresses I’m sure but I was worried about this too! I almost said to myself, school isn’t my priority, I’m not going to get stressed out and let it all run off my back. It did work to be fair, most of the time. My school knew very early on and were accommodating too. Cc

[Daisy14]

Congratulations! Totally get it, I’m a secondary teacher too and had a successful round of IVF.

In the September I was 8 weeks and terrified. I actually told one member of slt and my team. It felt strange when none of my family or friends knew, but it was perfect. They were quicker to intervene and support as they were tuned in and I didn’t have to cope alone.

I also requested protection from cover which really helped me manage my days and know when my ‘break’ was coming.

The only hard bit was they made me do the pregnancy risk assessment very early which I found confronting in my anxious and wobbly state.

Good luck! X

[Lizzielizzielizzie]

I also had colleagues who knew very early on and all collaborated to help me avoid stress (and to avoid heavy lifting, which there is a surprising amount of in Primary!). I also kept going to acupuncture in my first twelve weeks which I found relaxing. At the end of the day you need to keep reminding yourself what’s more important? And even if you don’t tell colleagues, make sure you refer behaviour issues to senior leaders as much as necessary- it’s one of the things they’re paid to do. Good luck x

[amyld1985]

Hi I am a secondary school teacher as well. Unfortunately not many tips for staying calm 🙈 but make sure your line manager sits you down to complete a pregnancy risk assessment! I had to end up being off for two weeks during my pregnancy due to slapped cheek doing the rounds as I didn’t have immunity so was allowed to work from home for a few days before needing a sick line but was in my risk assessment.

[Turtleswimmin]

I'm also about to go back to secondary school, I'm the SENCo and have 3 new year 11 classes (lots of challenging characters) this year so I'm also worried about the stress levels. I'm not pregnant but trying to conceive and am currently on Microgynon waiting to start our first round of IVF.....plus I'm going back to uni to get my SENCo qualification too in Seot so that's an additional stress! I'm doing my absolute best to 'not think about it'.

My advice is tell people at work and they will be supportive. Congratulations on your positive 😍