Posted inReal mums

Postnatal depression can affect mums-to-be…so what should you do if you are still at work when it starts?

Postnatal depression (PND) may be common, but that doesn’t make it any easier for the women going through it. We regularly read about it in the media, we might know someone with it, or have at least followed a celebrity’s battle with it. However, despite the prevalence and awareness of postnatal depression, the reality is that women who are actually experiencing it, feel very, very alone.

Postnatal depression baby blues
Postnatal depression is often thought of as something that happens at home, but it can affect you in the workplace
It is estimated that PND affects around one in 10 mothers in the UK. PND usually develops in the first four to six weeks after childbirth, although in some cases it can develop several months later.

Having a baby is a huge adjustment for any woman, but can be more so if she is used to working full time. The majority of first time mothers are used to going out to work, and many find themselves feeling isolated or trapped at home with their baby, missing the social interaction and mental stimulation of work.

Despite missing work, returning to the workplace can trigger or exacerbate postnatal depression. Having a baby is hard, and trying to juggle a newborn with paid employment is even more stressful.

Posted inReal mums

Challenge: can you run your business from an iPad?

Don't go rushing out for an iPad if you think it will replace your laptop - it is more supplementary than a replacement
Don't go rushing out for an iPad if you think it will replace your laptop - it is more supplementary than a replacement

I bought an iPad a couple of months back in replacement of my Asus Eee PC netbook which has given me more problems than I care to share here today.

Apple has never said that the iPad is there to replace a laptop of PC (or Mac), but rather that it will change the way we do things…I’m not sure I’m convinced because ultimately, I wanted to be able to do basic things on the iPad – and frankly expected it, at the price tag it is!

So, can the iPad be used to run a business? Here are my reasons why I think it can’t and can (to a limit).