On Board with Baby

Support Services for Busy Parents

As any parent can attest, the actual birth or adoption of a child is only the beginning. Parenthood opens up a whole new world of concerns and issues that must be incorporated into minds and schedules. Many organizations provide resources and contacts to assist parents in dealing with some of the common parenting issues.

UM’s Web of Resources

UM developed a Work/Life Resource Center Web site to support a healthy work–life balance for its faculty and employees. The site offers confidential assistance and support with:

• Locating child care;
• Locating elder/dependent care;
• Locating emergency, back-up child care;
• Balancing work and personal responsibilities;
• Creating flexible work schedules;
• Using the Expectant Parents’ Resource Program; and
• Planning maternity leaves.

Yale’s WorkLife Program

Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn., has the WorkLife Program, which originates from the Office for Women in Medicine, directed by Merle Waxman. According to Waxman, this program addresses issues such as:

• Day care (offered on-site);
• Leaves of absence;
• Stopping or slowing of the promotion cycle;
• Emergency back-up childcare; and
• Lactation rooms on campus for nursing mothers.

The program also offers a variety of classes, including:

• Kindergarten readiness;
• Shopping for daycare;
• Interviewing nannies; and
• Being part of the “sandwich generation,” which must deal with young children and aging parents at the same time.

Waxman has no doubts regarding the long-term effects of such support services. “Women make wonderful physicians, but they may need a little more support at certain times in their career development,” she says. “A little support early on reaps wonderful results later on.”