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7 Truths that Every Working Woman Should Know Before Having a Child—Part VII
By Peg Johnston • June 24, 2008 •Balancing Private and Professional Life, Myths & Truths
Editor's Note: As part of Ms. JD's 5th Birthday celebration, we'll be looking back at our favorite posts over the years.Finally, the 7th and final installation of the series that I started many months ago and haven't been able to bring myself to finish. Way back in November, I promised to tell you the truth about the seven things that I wished I would have known about being a mom -- information that I thought would be helpful to professional women that are not yet moms but are contemplating starting a family.I hope that my series was information and helpful,…
7 Truths that Every Working Woman Should Know Before Having a Child—Part VI
By Peg Johnston • February 06, 2008 •Myths & Truths
Okay, the time has come for me to write about my six myth in this series and that is that grandparents (your parents/in-laws) will come to the rescue. The truth is, the promise to post about this has been hanging over my very busy head for weeks now as I've tried to think of something witty, funny, sincere or even surprising to write about this topic. In fact, I don't have anything earth-shattering to say except to pass along that you may be surprised to find out that grandparental-help is not the answer to the work/life balancing act issues that…
7 Truths that Every Working Woman Should Know Before Having a Child—Part V
By Peg Johnston • January 08, 2008 •Myths & Truths
Okay, so way back on November 30th, I committed to tell you about the fifth myth on my list of seven myths: 5. Breastfeeding is Easy and Natural. This was sort of the inspiration for the entire series. I was sparked to write the series when I realized that some of my girlfriends had no idea about what breastfeeding and being a working mom entailed. This realization also made me remember how clueless I was about the same subject before giving it a try myself.Here are the truths: It is complicated, time-consuming, often painful, and anything but easy. I suppose…
7 Truths that Every Working Woman Should Know Before Having a Child—Part IV
By Peg Johnston • December 20, 2007 •Myths & Truths
Okay, so it has been more than a “few days” since my last post. While I promised to keep up this series on a regular basis, I found this particular post difficult to write.The “truth” to be shared in this post #4 is this: You can only count on yourself to make your life what you want it to be. Even then, there will be things that are out of your control and that have to be dealt with in the best way possible, often requiring compromises.Here is my story… I have always been career driven. I was one of…
7 Truths that Every Working Woman Should Know Before Having a Child—Part III
By Peg Johnston • December 11, 2007 •Myths & Truths
Okay truth #3: Post-Partum depression is very real and can affect those who least expect it.I am not positive that I suffered from clinical PPD after the birth of my first child. The truth is that I never told anyone (until now) about the symptoms I experienced. However, I cried a lot. I worried like crazy. I often felt helpless and alone. I never had the urge to hurt myself or the baby but I had moments where I had to let him lie in the crib and cry while I pulled myself together. I knew that the hard times…
7 Truths that Every Working Woman Should Know Before Having a Child—Part II
By Peg Johnston • December 04, 2007 •Myths & Truths
Okay, as promised here is Truth #2: Lamaze classes are not required training.I know, I know.... I am really going to hear it from OB docs, lamaze trainers, doolas, natural birth advocates, etc. So, I will repeat what I said in my first post in this series and that is that this advice is my own. It is meant to share some things that I learned the hard way during my first pregnancy and attempts to balance new motherhood with working in a demanding profession. I am not an expert. Here's the thing. I was busy while I was pregnant.…