Sandier Pastures

Paperback: 584 pages

Publisher: Yale University Press; 1 edition (May 8, 2008)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0300113242

ISBN-13: 978-0300113242

Just to make it clear, I am NOT pregnant but had the pleasure to read The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book to be prepared because I won’t be quitting my job when that happens (soon).

Written by Dr. Marjorie Greenfield, the book covers wide range of topics from the decision to have a baby, through getting pregnant, fertility treatments, the experiences of each trimester, birth, bringing home the baby, and the return to the workplace, all aimed at working moms. Dr. Greenfield is an obstetrician-gynecologist who draws from her experiences as a working mom and from interviews with women from various fields.

I was working full time when I was pregnant with my first child 5 years ago. I worked until three weeks before my due date in the computer industry and every single day, I carried all those questions and doubts as to whether the workplace is safe for my developing baby. After all, there are plenty of special aprons in the market that promises to cut harmful unseen electronic waves/radiation from PC’s. Although I was lucky enough not to have any nausea or vomiting and to have a boss who saw that my brain cells never ceased functioning even with a burgeoning belly, there were changes in the company I was working with. They were making another branch in another country and the top management want me to move there (they wanted me to make a decision when I was on my 7th month) two months after giving birth or I won’t have anything to go back to. There was a certain point when I was climbing stairs and catching trains in busy and fast paced Tokyo just to meet with the executives regarding the move. The meeting itself was depressing and I had to control my emotions because I know I am faced with the elevated risk of premature birth.

I faced the pressure of having to make a major life changing decision, deal with my overactive tear ducts and some unpredictable mood swings alone. That time, I felt, working is already tough but working and pregnant at the same time? I wish I had read a book like this, it might have cut my worries and anxiety to half.

All in all, it was a smooth sailing pregnancy except for the 40-hour labor but that is another story. Every pregnancy and birth is different and I am employed in another company now. The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book includes checklists for multitasking moms-to-be, helpful illustrations, stories and advice from experienced mothers and information on everything  from planning a pregnancy to balancing life after the baby is born.

I find the book very useful and timely now that I am seriously considering having another baby. I also have decided to give pregnant friends books about pregnancy instead of baby booties and this book is on top of my mind because it will walk you through the whole pregnancy experience like a mom, sister or close friend would.

This was part of the Mother Talk Blog Tour.

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