We found out I was pregnant with our little boy while living half way across the world in Edinburgh, Scotland. I had just signed up for another 3 month contract to continue working as a nurse. I had never imagined that I would get pregnant overseas and it was overwhelming to be so far away. Not working was never an option. I was in a binding contract in a foreign country dependent upon my employer for food, housing, and pay. My husband was working sporadic, freelance jobs so we couldn’t depend on him as the sole provider. Having not thought about the reality of working while pregnant, I found myself preoccupied with fear and questions regarding the safety of my workplace.
I can honestly say that all of the books I read during my pregnancy had, at most, a chapter addressing the pregnant working woman’s concerns. We flew home when I was 13 weeks pregnant and I faced a new challenge…applying and interviewing for a job. I specifically remember flying home and discussing with my husband, my mom, and my two best friends how I was going to accomplish this. Should I tell my potential employer upfront that I was pregnant? When should I tell my potential employer? When should I discuss maternity leave? Even if I was hired, how would I approach issues like exposure to radiation and other known hazards that come with working in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit? I scoured the internet in search of answers to these and many more questions surrounding work and pregnancy.
Marjorie Greenfield’s new book, The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book, answers most of these questions and more. This credible resource, geared towards the working pregnant woman, provides valuable information, resources, and personal accounts of all the woman before us who have survived the working world while gestating. As a nurse, I found the factual information on the biology of pregnancy to be comprehensive yet not overwhelming. I appreciated the chapters dedicated to the preconception and postpartum time periods, subjects that are but a blurb in most pregnancy books. As we contemplate the thought of baby number 2, I feel confident and equipped to continue working as long as it is safe for both of us.
As a nurse, I am cognizant of the hazards inherent in my job. I found the information provided in this book to be particularly helpful not only in identifying those hazards but communicating with my employer about how to best protect myself from them. Every pregnancy book you pick up to read will cover the same basic information from conception to delivery. What sets Dr. Greenfield’s book above the rest is it’s specific application to the working woman.
Above all, this book is realistic. As the cost of living steadily rises, woman are no longer afforded the luxury of quitting their jobs once they become pregnant. And then there are those who find joy and a sense of fulfillment through employment. Regardless of where you’re at, work and pregnancy can go hand-in-hand.
I have been pumping at work for almost 5 months. Pumping was one of the things I dreaded most about returning to the working world. Would I have the time? Would there be adequate accomodations? Would I drop my milk supply? Would my son take a bottle? Would he still want to nurse? The questions were endless. Nursing is a special, unique bond my son and I have. I didn’t want to give that up. How I wish I had read this book months ago. The chapter on breastfeeding and work was inspiring and encouraging. I have since found a renewed confidence in my ability to continue providing breast milk for my son for as long as we both desire.
The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book is on sale now! Get it on Amazon for less than $15.00. That’s quite the bargain!
Don’t forget to check out her blog for more information and tips!
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It sounds like an excellent book. Another one that is along the same lines is “The Working Gal’s Guide to Babyville” (it’s a fantastic resource for moms and moms-to-be regardless of working scenario)…