University of Minnesota - UMN Executive Leadership Insights
Here’s the Plan
Book

Here’s the Plan

Your Practical, Tactical Guide to Advancing Your Career During Pregnancy and Parenthood

Allyson Downey
Seal Press, 2016
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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Applicable

Recommendation

When Allyson Downey became pregnant, she was a rising star at a Wall Street investment bank. When she experienced pregnancy complications, her colleagues stopped returning her calls and pushed her out on medical leave. Now a successful entrepreneur, Downey conducted interviews and surveyed thousands of women to develop a framework for managing your career and home life during pregnancy and motherhood. Downey presents options and shares the stories of successful women who navigated the tricky shoals of birth and work. getAbstract recommends her guide to professional mothers and mothers-to-be, and those who manage them, especially in places where you may find little government, societal or corporate support.

Summary

The Best-Laid Plans

When it comes to pregnancy and parenthood, things seldom go according to plan. You may feel great from first trimester through birth, or you could suffer severe morning sickness. Advanced planning can help you cope with the unpredictable nature of becoming a working mom. Begin by considering how you’ll feel about taking time away from the office.

Many women experience anxiety about tasks piling up, a negative effect on their careers and the absence of a regular paycheck. Often they’re surprised to learn that US companies don’t have to offer paid maternity leave. In the US, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 guarantees up to 12 weeks’ leave, but some or all of it might be unpaid. A survey of 100 “friendly to women” US companies revealed that only 18% provide 12 fully paid weeks of leave.

Predicting how much time off you’ll need is difficult until after you have your baby. You don’t know how you will fare mentally and physically or what your baby will need. Women often underestimate the effects of sleep deprivation. Cognition suffers, reducing your ability to concentrate, slowing decision-making processes and inhibiting the formation...

About the Author

Allyson Downey founded weeSpring, a resource for new and expecting parents. She holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.

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