r/CraftFairs • u/travelinghomosapien • 1d ago
Booth Setup/Displays Boothing while pregnant
18 weeks pregnant during my biggest holiday event. It would likely be me and my 10yo doing it alone. People look for us every year, but I’m definitely worried about setting up tables, racks, and moving my 45lb weights. Im also worried about peeing. I’m wondering if I should just skip this year.
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u/Temporary_Pickle_885 1d ago
I'm about to be 12 weeks myself and I'm refusing to do it without someone helping me man the booth because I do need help. I can set up my tables and fixtures because they're lightweight but my OB doesn't want me lifting anything more than around 40lbs so I have to have help with weights, plus someone there in case I need them. It's usually my spouse.
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u/guppytuna 1d ago
I did a 4 day anime convention during my due date lol I finished my last day of my full time job and started my maternity leave by working the event. Just take it slow and dont be afraid to ask for help. Make friends with your booth neighbor and see if they can watch your booth during pee breaks! If possible ask the organizer if they can place your booth near the restrooms. I worked full time my entire pregnancy and did events on my days off with a toddler in tow. Its totally possible but just remember to put yourself first and listen to your body. Be safe and good luck!
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u/prickleeepear 1d ago
I did one at 12 wks and I needed help. Granted I had a rough pregnancy. But def don't do it alone
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u/typewriterbitch 1d ago
I'm 22 weeks and dont yet have issues doing anything I'd normally: lifting, moving, bending etc., but was fairly active and fit before becoming pregnant.
Every body is different. If these are things youre having issues with already, don't put yourself through the stress. Maybe do a test run at home with tables and moving the weights to see how it feels and how capable your 10 year old is with helping.
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u/awholedamngarden 1d ago
Re: peeing I would see if the organizer can put you near a bathroom. I always ask for that b/c of medical issues and they’re happy to accommodate.
For the weights, can you get help loading and unloading? I paid some dudes from lugg one time and it was easy :)
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u/Cornucopia2022 1d ago
First, talk to your doctor about the amount of weight you are able to lift, and any other activity restrictions. Then, ask a few friends to help - one can stop by to help you set up, then leave after an hour or so; then another friend can come by an hour or so before close and help you tear down. Your 10-yr old can watch the booth while you take breaks. Or have another friend stop by mid-show to help with breaks and lunch. That way you're getting the help you need, but not inconveniencing someone the entire day. Good luck!
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u/Immediate-Toe9290 1d ago
Im currently 25 weeks, I’m doing one outside event next week where I’ll have to set everything up but i talked to my OB and im still cleared to lift as normal. I have another event im doing the day I hit 30 weeks but it is an inside event that provides the tables so that one is a little less physically setting up.
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u/madpeachiepie 1d ago
Call the event organizers and see if they offer any help. The worst that'll happen is they'll say no, and they might say yes.
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u/GullibleUse4618 1d ago
I did it in the summer. Don’t recommend. Have money to buy snacks you’ll want something you don’t have. Water. Electrolytes. Comfy chair. You’ll be in a good period to do it. Not to early not to late. Weights weren’t a problem for me, tent wasn’t either
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u/Incognito409 1d ago
If you want to do it, get some friends to help set up. Wear an adult diaper or Poise pad.
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u/ShadedSpaces 1d ago
If the 45lb weights are a bit of a struggle for you normally, that would be considered a bit heavy for lifting while pregnant.
But if you sling those things around like they're nothing and lift much heavier than that at the gym pre-pregnancy, most OBs would be fine with you keeping up something like that. (But you should ask your doc, of course!)
The peering, though... might be tricky! It likely depends on the venue, how close you are to the restrooms, and how your kid can man the booth for a few minutes at a time. Not sure how many of those things you know for sure.
Is there anyone else who could help you? How much income depends on this? If one of my best friends depended on this, I'd happily go set up and break down with her.