Solutions for a pregnancy?

[mom-in-alberta]

I had my 4th baby in September, and ran the dayhome right up to about a week before she was due to arrive. I took the entire month off, and gave my parents LOOOOOTS of notice (I was only about 8wks preg when I announced). I went into it fully expecting to lose every family, if it came down to it. But I only lost one. Granted, they said they were coming back and gave me notice 2 days before I reopened. Grrr. But like I said, I was prepared for that. My husband works very flexible hours and has been a great help.
The important thing is to communicate clearly with the parents. Know exactly what your plans are in regards to how much time you will take off and so on. I kept reminding people to have their backup care ready, should baby come early. Let them know that even if you aren't necessarily doing the same things you have always done, the care of thier child will not be sacrificed. It's not a big deal that, instead of jumping on the trampoline all together, you are reading books and singing songs. I found the hardest thing was changing bums while feeling like I had to ralph all day long! I got so that I was stuffing tissue up my nose, so I wasn't gagging.
I joked with the parents that after baby came, there may be a few days that I opened the door in my pajamas, and there have been a couple, hahaha! But the beauty of this job is it's adaptability under these types of circumstances.
Look into the self-employed EI program, on the CRA website. I don't know the details, but if you plan enough in advance, you may be able to take advantage.
Best wishes!!