I was off for six weeks, and all of my co-workers were so very supportive. They all attended Sophia's funeral where she was laid to rest with my father, and each donated time so I would be paid the entire six weeks - truly beyond generous. When I returned, my boss told me that I could leave and go home anytime as the people/material that I work with can be overwhelming sad. I never took her up on that offer, but it was a relief to know if it got too hard I could escape.

I would talk with your boss and ask if it would be okay to stay home until your co-worker goes on maternity leave, that way you do not have to see her at all. It will be hard when she returns, but it will give you more time to heal between now and then. Also, if you sit next to her, maybe you can swape out offices/space with someone on the other side of the office, again, to give you more space.

The first day is the hardest, but work did help me get out of my house and it enabled me to think about other things, too. You're in my thoughts and prayers, hang in there!

I was also off for six week and got paid for bereavement and was given maternity leave pay, so i was very grateful for that. My cowrkers didnt attend the service, but i think they were afraid. When I returned everyone avoided me for awhile and now, they just act like nothing. It kills me though that they're always rubbon the other girls belly and talking about her in front of me. I know its stupid to feel that way, but the scar is still fresh Thanks for responding, you have been very comforting.

I was off for about 4weeks total--I was off without pay but ended up using all of my PTO that I had saved up; I had finished school and was about to start a new job role so in that way, it worked out that I wasn't on the schedule for those few weeks.

I work on a large unit of about 140employees, so I wrote an email to the entire floor so that they all knew what had happened before I came back. Everyone was very supportive, I got many emails, cards, etc. of well wishes which was really nice.

I agree with Evangelica, the hardest day for me by far was day #1, and simply because I was terrified someone wouldn't have read the email and was going to walk up to me and ask me about the baby or how I was feeling, etc. It has been hard for me to see a girl there who is also pregnant and she is due a week behind my due date--we had joked about how we would be waddling around together come October. Now I just say hello to her in passing and move on--it's too much for me to acknowledge her pregnancy.

Do what is best for you--maybe stay off work as long as you absolutely can--financially & professionally. I do know how hard it is to watch other people fawn over the pregnant person as you sit there feeling like the big white elephant in the room!

Good luck to you!
Amber

Unfortunately I had to return to work after 2 weeks. I work in a pediatric office and it has been extremely difficult to see so many newborn babies. My co-workers have all been very supportive, but I wish I had taken more time at home with my family to heal a bit more emotionally. Take your time and go back when you feel ready.

Thank you girls for your encouragements. Amber, I'm glad I'm not the only one who has to work w a pregnant coworker, at least I know I'm not weird for feeling this way when I se her.

I was off work for almost 6 weeks. I had 2 coworkers who were due shortly after me, so it was very hard to see them at work. I am a teacher, so it was hard seeing pregnant moms everywhere. I tried to be happy for everyone, but it was actually breaking my heart. The best thing that I did was to talk with my close coworkers. I wanted them to understand why I didn't come to the showers or visit their rooms very often. That helped a lot! Good luck!

I went back to work after 3 ish months. I know the feeling of being around pregnant women. I was pregnant with a girl from work, she brought home her baby 2 months after Lily died, I did not. It took me many many many months to even look at her. To this day, almost 18 months later, I still have problems hearing about her baby. It just hits me in a sore spot.

I hope that prego at work is sensitive around you and doesn't flaunt her pregnancy. Good luck. It's a tough step.

Well yesterday, my prego coworker came up to me and asked if she could talk to me in private. She told me adout some mahor issues she's havong at home and needed to tell someone. I dont know whay she chose to tell me, but i felt good after that. Maybe she feels I would be more sympathetic. Anyways, I'm glad that happened now I feel a lil more comfortable around her.

Glad to hear that you feel better about your relationship with her. I hope your comfort level at work continues to improve.