An easy, one-sitting read (or as much of one sitting as you can get taking care of a infant), Alderfer created a guide that tackles not only the typical work place scenario, but even moms who work from home.
Prior to actually reading the handbook, I thought this would prove too much of a challenge to do well, but Alderfer (thankfully) proved me wrong.
Alderfer as a Guide
Covering the basics of everything mama/work related from pumping at work, boundaries, and balance with your work/home life, this handbook is the guide I never knew I wanted (until I saw it on the bookstore shelf).
Even though no longer breastfeeding, I read the second part of The Working Mom’s Handbook – Mammary Management 101 – (technically currently irrelevant to my situation) and still found bits of helpful information on supplementing.
Beyond that, with the information in part two of this book, I probably would have been more successful pumping for my son, and might not have turned to exclusively formula feeding. Regardless, I plan to re-read this book for my next pregnancy, and try (with the new-to-me information) pumping again.
Overall
As a whole, I loved the acceptance Alderfer offered – however you feed your baby, and however you choose career/child care wise. Reassuring and positive, The Working Mom’s Handbook helps guide you through your decision without a strong bias either way. Want to go back to work? Great! Stay at home with your new baby? Also great! Although definitely designed for the work side of things, I loved that Alderfer didn’t shame moms for either decision.
The Working Mom’s Handbook earned five stars from me, and a spot on my bookshelves.. while I buy other copies for friends who are traveling along the same or similar paths. I’m so grateful for this handbook. Highly recommend.
Did you enjoy The Working Mom’s Handbook as much as I did? Check out Preggers by Chelsea Johnson. Full of helpful lists and written in a conversational tone, this book was a great guide through my first pregnancy.
Christian, wife, “hybrid” mama, I run the site All Behind A Smile to help others like me.
Ali Velez Alderfer says
Hi there! This is my book! I don’t know why it took me a year to see this, but I just wanted to say thank you for the lovely review. I’m so glad you found my book helpful on your working mom path. Thanks again for the support — as a working mom and a first-time author, this means so much.
Nicole says
Even a year later.. I’m glad you found me.
It means so much that you took the time to reach out on my review of the awesome book you wrote (and provided a reminder to re-read it, now that I’m on a pumping journey again).
Nicole