The Working Woman's Pregnancy Book

Dr. Marjorie Greenfield has been practicing and teaching Obstetrics and Gynecology for over twenty years, currently teaching at Case Western Reserve University. Having written extensively for drspock.com and Dr. Spock's Pregnancy Guide, Dr. Greenfield more recently published her book exclusively for pregnant working mothers, The Working Woman's Pregnancy Book. Based on Dr. Greenfield's personal experiences and numerous interviews with women who have worked while pregnant, balancing health and nutrition in pregnancy with the rigors and potential safety concerns of the workplace.

Dr. Greenfield and I recently spoke about the Return to Work Project and the invaluable support this simple gesture can convey to women enduring the difficult transition to working motherhood. Read her overview of the project on her blog.

Nascita Doula

Local Birth Doula and Lactation Educator, Antonette Hoffman of Nascita Doula, provides birthing support and lactation education, as well as a library of resources available to moms interested in natural pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding practices. For moms returning to work, Antonette can provide extensive support pumping and continuing to breastfeed.

What is a Doula? A doula is a holistic source of emotional, physical, and informational support for women before, during and after childbirth. Providing in home prenatal education, Antonette can work around your busy work schedule. She will assist with a plan for during and after labor, including postpartum support to women who can use the extra hands while on maternity leave.

"We have a secret in our society. It's not that birth is painful. It's that women are strong"

~Laura Stavoe Harm

A Better Way?

After nearly a year of working with the Return to Work Project, I have shook the hands of so many working moms, personally picking up materials for each gift pack and then dropping off gift packs to a working mom in need. I have personalized and hand stuffed each gift pack with a particular working mom in mind. I have heard hundreds of stories of women who juggle work, home, and family responsibilities. I have loved talking to each of these women and have been inspired and moved by every single one of your stories.

I want to keep this project growing and reaching more and more women, and now I am looking for a better way to distribute the gift packs to moms returning to the workforce. With so many Family Friendly Employers in Frederick, I am hoping that I can partner with the Human Resources departments that help moms return to work. Wouldn't it be nice to return to work at a place that provides the simple benefit of understanding that the transition back to work is a difficult one? Wouldn't it be nice to return to work to find a gift pack on your desk your first day back? If you are willing to help me achieve this goal, please contact me at flexibleworkforce@gmail.com.

Thank you all for helping in the success of the Return to Work Project this year.

Frederick Air: Heating and Air Conditioning

Recently named one of Frederick's Family Friendly Businesses, Frederick Air has a mission statement that would make any working mom smile:

Our mission at Frederick Air is simply to provide the residents and businesses of Frederick, Montgomery, and Washington counties with the highest quality service, maintenance, and installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment, while maintaining a family friendly work environment for the company's employees; and do it so well that it is profitable. (emphasis is mine)

Frederick Air is family owned and operated and offers same day or 24 hour emergency service by certified technicians so you can get back to your busy life faster.

N & R Gourmet

Do you have a busy schedule this week? N & R Gourmet Chef Services is your answer for your business and home meal needs. With a menu of Cajun Shrimp or Barbeque Ginger Chicken, you will be a weeknight hero at home with little effort and kitchen clean up. Healthy dinner entrees are prepared of fresh ingredients, ready for you to pop in the oven and serve. N & R Gourmet also prepares traditional kid's favorites, hearty side dishes, and desserts ready to bake. Prices range from $17.99 - $29.99 to feed a family of 4 - 6. Don't slave another night in the kitchen, don't bring home fast food one more time. Rediscover a delicious family dinner, easy.