Welcome to BB my love - & I am so sorry for the loss of your little one...

What you are experiencing is very very big - unfortunately some people don't have the life experience, maturity or compassion to know just how big this is for a mother.

Whilst I understand that it is difficult to fill in for someone when they are absent but this is a very big emotional drain. You are human not android and you need to do what you need to do.

It is perfectly reasonable to have time off for a doctors appointment. The specialist will provide you with a certificate on request - so do that if you can.

I would be kind but very assertive.

This week I have a tummy bug and therefore cannot work. Next week I have a doctors appointment that is during work hours. I will provide you with a certificate.

You cannot lose your job for having sick time that is reasonable. Taking your baby's due date off work. Having a tummy bug - a doctors appointment. They are reasonable. Whilst it is tricky that they have fallen around the same time - that's life and you need this for you.

Sending you love and understanding...