May/June 2022 - 118

established based on conversations between the employee and
employer and should take place at least two months before the
planned leave. Items to be discussed should include the duration
of the leave, check-in dates/times during the leave, identification
and transition of responsibilities, and a re-engagement
plan after the leave.
What about the work the employee is doing? What have
you found that helps with that transition?
Try to set up a buddy system. The buddy employee would be
someone who will replace the employee for the duration of
the parental leave and ideally would have a similar level of
experience. The buddy should start to shadow the expecting
parent through email communications as a minimum. It is
ideal that the pair have a weekly meeting starting two
months before the leave so the transition can be smooth for
the employees and project team.
What else should the employer do?
Check in with the employee about the leave and transition plans
two weeks before to confirm and revise the transition plan.
Also check in with the employee one week before returning to
work to confirm and update the re-engagement plan.
Amshu Chappa, P.E., is a senior geostructural engineer at Brierley
Associates with 10 years of experience in heavy civil and nuclear
power industry. She is also a newer mother with some thoughts on the
transition into motherhood.
What was your experience as a new mother?
Parenthood comes with such intense emotions. It is beautiful!
But there is so much that is not talked about. As a first-time
mom, the first year was the hardest for me. The fear of not
doing enough for your baby is excruciating. On top of that your
own life seems to have changed drastically. It isn't yours
anymore. Being tired becomes a constant part of you while
caring for an infant. As a working parent, the guilt is another
added pressure. And of course, there are work expectations and
keeping up the home. When I look back now, even though my
husband is an amazingly supportive person, I wish I had
known that I was fighting through postpartum depression all
by myself. I just want first-time moms to know these few things:
* You are not alone! I felt what you feel and pretty much
every other first-time mom does too.
*
I know you are doing everything you can, and you are
perfect the way you are!
* Don't let anybody tell you that you aren't doing enough.
Breastmilk or formula doesn't matter, you are doing what
is right for your child's health and your mental health.
* Talk to your supportive group of family and friends. The
friendship and love that comes out of these groups is
priceless. You definitely become a better version of yourself.
*
It gets better with time, and you will find a whole new you
again. Just hang in there!
* Having children can make you more productive and
effective, and gives you a great push to do all those things
in life that you wouldn't do. Don't let anyone scare you and
say, " Hey your life is over now that you had kids. " That is
not true. Life only gets better!!
* You can travel with a baby! Don't let anyone else tell you
otherwise.
* Separation is good for you and your baby. My baby and I
thrived and bonded really well despite my being at work
while she is at daycare. Just because you aren't with your
baby 24 hours doesn't mean you love your baby less. The
time you spend with them after or before work will make
you realize how precious every second is with them.
*
I don't know how I survived with 3-5 hours of sleep (feeding
2-3 times a night). " It's hard " would be an understatement.
All I can say is that women are one strong species.
* The dilemma to leave your baby at daycare or not is a big
one. For us, daycare was great. Our little one loved going and
playing with other babies. Whatever you choose - daycare,
nanny or work from home with help - just remember you
made the right decision for your family and go with it. Each
one has its pros and cons. You got this mama!
* Lastly, I was fortunate to have a supportive environment at
work that helped me overcome the fears of being a new
mom and to do my best at work. I hope that all new parents
receive that kind of support!
When parenthood knocks on your door, you strive to become
the best version of yourself on all fronts of your life - at work
and in your personal life! So, keep thriving!
As we stated, we hope this can become a reoccurring
Your children will be excited to learn what you do at work (drawing by the young
son of Johanna Mikitka Simon)
118 * DEEP FOUNDATIONS * MAY/JUNE 2022
article to help all parents and employers learn ways to ease
the stress of " parenting while working. " If you have challenges
or answers that you want to share, please send them to
us at widf@dfi.org.
May/June 2022

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