Book Review: How To Be a Good Mommy When You're Sick


"I now know what going from 100 to nothing and working back up again slowly actually feels like. A rollercoaster? Yes, but taking it one day at a time with family support and some tips from someone who has always insisted on learning the hard way just might make your ride a bit smoother."

Suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis, a progressive autoimmune disease, college teacher Dr. Emily Graves was told the disease would go into remission while she was pregnant. That was the good news; the bad news was, it wasn't true. In fact, she suffered kidney failure, and her son William was delivered by C-section when she was only 28 weeks pregnant. The better news is that she slowly recovered and now, with a typical toddler and a supportive spouse, she offers this guide for others. She makes practical suggestions: how a sick mother can rest, prepare meals, manage a healthy regimen for everyone in the family, make schedules, deal with taking multiple medications—while being a mommy, too. Without being specific about creed, she advises prayer (or meditation) for its calming, centering effect. One of the repeated themes in the book is "Don’t apologize!" A mommy with chronic illness has no reason to be ashamed of being sick, needing time out occasionally, and not constantly living up to others' expectations. She should accept help when appropriate, but never accept pity.

Read the rest of Barbara Bamberger Scott's review Dr. Graves' book at US Review of Books.

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