What To Expect When You’re Expecting (and Working Outside the Home)
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My Story
Back a million years ago, I was pregnant with my first child. I had already left my job at BIG company because (a) I knew I could not balance family life with my job and the associated traveling and (b) I wanted to write. But now I was writing for a small community newspaper and also doing the copy editing for the newspaper (who would have thunk it). I spent a good deal of time trying to determine if I could keep doing the part-time job and have a new baby. The answer was soon provided for me: an unpredictable boss who I could frequently hear arguing with people on the phone regarding bills (that I’m sure he owed). I left. I still was owed payment for some articles. I was about nine months pregnant when the editor called me up and yelled at me for at least ten minutes about why he didn’t owe me the money. I stood my ground. But, after I hung up the phone, I was shaking - 1/2 from my anger and 1/2 from my pregnancy hormones. I got the money.
This Book
This book is for all of the woman who continue to work after they are pregnant. It takes over for the other books that devote a chapter to the subject of working while you are pregnant or what you need to know after you have the baby. Written by Dr. Marjorie Greenfield who is a board certified obstetrician-gynecologist and a working mom.
Did you know 60 to 80 percent of women hold jobs while they are pregnant?
“Pregnancy may temporarily compromise your performance at work and it will certainly complicate your life, but for most of us who have ventured down the path to parenthood, the experience has made life immeasurably richer and more meaningful.” (Part 1, Strategic Planning (Before Conception))
The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book is not only a guide to pregnancy while working, but it also addresses making the decision to even begin the journey - Page 4: QUIZ: Do you Want to Have a Baby?
“In many jobs, there is no good time to have children. You will need to decide what is right for you personally and professionally.”
Throughout the book Dr. Greenfield includes real-life insight from women who have worked through and after their pregnancies. What an awesome idea! This provides the camaraderie some women might not have in their jobs and the answers they are seeking from women in their same position.
The book goes on to talk about not only work related issues, but the general questions that any pregnant woman wants answered while pregnant and the decisions they have to make (for example, choosing a Doctor or Midwife). And there are excellent suggestions for breastfeeding and working in Chapter 38.
On the Net
Yesterday, I opened The Wall Street Journal and (great timing) there was a piece (BEST OF THE JUGGLE) on deciphering maternity policies. And there it was, The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book and Dr. Greenfield, addressing the issue of maternity benefits.
Check out this must read blog post and comments from WSJ.
Of course, you can order a copy of your own on Amazon. Link is here.
It’s a must have resource for any woman considering having children and continuing to work outside the home. And checkout the other reviews on MotherTalk to learn a little more on this book for pregnant working moms.
