When I first found out that I was pregnant, I was simultaneously thrilled and terrified. I felt excited but unprepared for the pregnancy: I imagined that there was a lot of information I could and should access to learn how to have a healthy pregnancy and to subsequently raise a healthy and happy child and I wanted the time to conduct this research.
A preliminary search of the available content yielded data to suggest that chronic or severe stress on the expectant mother is not good for the growing fetus. When my husband and I came across this finding, I was working as a business analyst in the corporate office of a large retailer, reporting to an aggressive, overly confident, and somewhat socially challenged woman who was not easily impressed nor very understanding. It made my life quite stressful. What I was feeling was not severe stress, but it definitely was not mild either. More, I felt it on a continued basis, since she had joined the company 10 months earlier, which made my stress qualify as chronic. Feeling the weight of my job dissatisfaction and the desire to care for our baby in the best way we know how, Kyle and I decided that I should resign. It was the best career decision I made.
I know that I am fortunate to have the opportunity to stay at home and care for my baby; some people want to but are unable to do the same out of financial considerations and lifestyle preferences. I also feel fortunate to have this period of time before June, in which I can read much of the literature out there and prepare for the transition to motherhood. I wouldn't have been able to do this if I were still working 45+ hours per week.
I know there are people out there who can't do it and those are the people for whose benefit I am writing this blog. My goal is to use this blog to review and share my literature findings on the subject of pregnancy, child development, and early parenting. I intend to analyze and synthesize the literature (so the busy blog reader doesn't have to) and will aim to make my posts succinct and intelligible in this way. I'll do my best to keep citations and direct quotes out of my posts; but you can expect to see book and article references at the bottom of the posts to understand the sources from which any syntheses occurred.
Again, welcome and thanks for reading!
