Pregnancy, Childcare, and Farming

This workshop will give participants a first hand view on my experience as a mother and USDA Certified Organic Farmer. Participants will learn about my experience of having two children within the last three years and what that entails – working while pregnant, planning for maternity leave, returning to work postpartum, and navigating childcare – all while owning and operating a farm. Farming is a unique profession, with specific seasonal physical and emotional demands. Many women feel that they have to step away from their farming operation or delay having children while farming. This presentation aims to educate women on actual experiences of other mother farmers and leave feeling prepared for their own maternal experience. The presentation will include anecdotes and tips from other female farmers in the Northeast, including women with older children. Participants who are interested in having children while farming, or farm owners who are interested in supporting their employees while pregnant and beyond, should attend this session to learn more about the physical and financial demands that having a child places on farmers. My hope is that women walk away feeling empowered and have realistic expectations for caring for a child while farming.