pregnancy
Mamas on Bedrest: The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
May 17th, 2013It’s a sad commentary on this country when we have to introduce legislation in order for people to treat pregnant women kindly; give them a little extra help and make a few logistical allowances for them to be able to work and support themselves and their families while pregnant. Be that as it may, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act has been introduced to congress and is supported by democratic senators and representatives as well as a whole host women’s advocacy groups, unions and business groups.
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act works to ensure that pregnant women are not forced out of jobs unnecessarily or denied reasonable job modifications that would allow them to continue working. Currently, pregnant working women around the country are being denied simple adjustments – permission to use a stool while working a cash register, or to carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated, or temporary reassignment to lighter duty tasks – that would keep them working and supporting their families while maintaining healthy pregnancies. The bill will require that employers make reasonable adjustments while also barring employers from denying employment opportunities to women based on their need for reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
Really?? You mean to tell me that if you are an employer and have an employee who is pregnant and a cashier, you can’t get her a stool? You’d rather fire her? Employers are unwilling to allow their employees to have water bottles to stay hydrated? (This is important for all employees, not just the pregnant ones!!) What type of country do we live in??
While I appreciate this legislation, I am saddened and sickened that it even has to be introduced. Where has simple human decency gone? Okay, let’s just put pregnancy aside for a moment. You mean to tell me that if you have a loyal employee who suddenly becomes stricken with a medical condition (either temporary or permanent) but who is committed to doing the job, you’d rather fire him or her rather than make some minor adjustments to their work environment? I completely understand if the employee is unable to perform most of the duties of the position, then it only makes sense to replace him/her. But in the case of a cashier, if you can provide a stool you’ll keep a trusted, productive employee! In a recent blog post, I related how the Center for American Progress estimates that if an employee makes $30,000 to $75,000 annually, it costs employers approximately 20% of an ex-employee’s annual salary to replace that person. If the employee makes less than $30,000 annually, then the cost to replace him/her is approximately 16% of the annual salary. And for highly paid executives, the costs to replace them skyrockets.
Isn’t it just easier to make a few adjustments?
Kinda makes me wonder, are we really talking about money, or is this yet another battle in the war on working women, forcing us to once again choose-career or family? Why should it ever be a choice?
Mamas on Bedrest: Pregnancy Safe Ways to Prevent Infections
May 15th, 2013Hello Mamas!!
In this video blog, I share information on pregnancy safe ways to prevent infections. Pregnancy overloads a woman’s system and consequently she is not as readily able to ward off infections or to fight them when she does become ill.
As discussed in previous blogs, it is essential that pregnant women have adequate Vitamin D levels, to supplement with fish oil rich in the Omega 3 Fatty Acids docosaheaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), to drink lots of water, get lots of rest and to eat a nutrient dense diet. In this video blog I offer a few other suggestions to help mamas on bed rest keep their bodies healthy and strong. On an additional note, I forgot to include probiotics that are helpful against yeast infections. They are found in most yogurts and can also be taken as supplements.
How are you staying healthy while on Bedrest? Share your tips in the comments section below this video. If you have more questions, feel free to e-mail me at info@mamasonbedrest.com.
Mamas on Bedrest: We’re 76 out of 100!
May 10th, 2013Mamas,
2013 is proving to be a great year for us! The Mamas on Bedrest & Beyond blog has again been acknowledged. This time, we are being cited as one of the top 100 baby related blogs to follow in 2013 by couponaudit.com. This is a consumer information organization that gives consumers information about all manner of products and services so that they can make wise and informed choices (my personal mantra for all of you!)-and receive special gifts and offers, too!
While I am personally pleased as punch at all of the accolades, I am more thrilled by the fact that mamas on bed rest are getting much deserved recognition. If just 10% more people read this blog, that is 10% more people who will know and understand what it is like to have a high risk pregnancy. That is 10% more people who will know what to do and say to a friend, family member or other loved one who may be prescribed bed rest. That is 10% more people who will “see” us, removing us from the fringes of obscurity. And maybe, just maybe, our stories will stimulate physicians and researchers to target more research in our direction; to find more and more effective treatments for preterm labor, more and more effective treatments for cervical insufficiency, more and effective treatments for pre-eclampsia….That’s right, I’m on a mission to make bed rest a thing of the past (much like it is in most other medical specialties) and to put myself out of business!
So here’s to us, Mamas! And oh,
Happy Mother’s Day!!!!!!!!!!!
An infographic by the team at CouponAudit
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