Learning to mix 'business with babies' is becoming more and more feasible with today's flexible work options. IBM stands at the forefront of a workplace evolution that is spawning family-friendly policies industry-wide. In this environment, work no longer has to stop after baby - and that is good news for business and families.
Yet, anxiety about the choice or necessity to work continues. A number of women in IBM's Boulder, Colorado facility, however, found a way to sort through their doubts by writing their thoughts in a shared journal in the facility's lactation room.
Earlier this year, those thoughts turned into action - a book by former IBMer Cate Colburn-Smith and Andrea Serrette of InfoPrint Solutions - called The Milk Memos. Now, months after its release, the book is gaining momentum on the national stage, including a plug in Newsweek, local television coverage and a potential spot on network morning television.
A lasting bond
Just how did these two mothers end up bonding to the degree they produced a book? It was easy, explains Andrea: "Once I walked into that lactation room and saw the note Cate wrote (on a paper towel) and the various responses of others, I said 'this has to be a book,'" she recalls.
That note was in essence Cate's way of expressing her mixed emotions on her first day back to work after her maternity leave. It unleashed a wealth of responses which the authors liken to today's 'mommy war' environment. "We really wanted women to stop being too hard on themselves for working or even for feeling guilty over things such as letting their child cry for a bit so he/she learns to self-soothe and sleep in the crib or letting the child co-sleep in the parent's bed if need be," Andrea says.
Cate adds, "The feedback has been great, and the dialog continues. For one, the book's website features a blog and a forum, providing moms with an online vehicle to support and learn from one another."
Stars are born?
To ask Cate and Andrea if the attention has changed them yields an interesting response. "A funny thing happened after the book finally got published: nothing" laughs Cate. "Actually, it really hasn't been as life transforming as one would think." "That's because it really was a gradual process," adds Andrea. "It took time to write it, edit it and then publish it. But it is weird when we get recognized here locally. And as Cate said, hearing from working moms as often as we do and we both know how little time working moms have is gratifying. They take the time to write about how the book is helpful, hilarious and supportive."
Long-term advice
Flexibility is key to the success of working moms, and both Cate and Andrea credit IBM's flexible work options.
"Both of us have transitioned between full-time and part-time schedules," says Andrea. "Workplace flexibility is essential for both men and women. And it's even better when you have management support that understands the programs and encourages you to use them when needed. My job is demanding enough but thanks to the support I receive, I continue to see plenty of opportunity on the horizon."