I am a 33 yo working mother of a beautiful 5 month old daughter and I found this wonderful blog sometime during my maternity leave by way of DailyKos. I am a scientist and currently teach at a university in my home country The Netherlands. I lived in DC 2001-2002, which got me interested in US politics. After 3 years in Switzerland (hence the handle) my husband and I returned home to take up longer term jobs.

In June we had our first child. Both pregnancy and delivery went very well. The only minor hickup was that DD decided to arrive 4 weeks early, on the very first day of my 16 week (fully paid - sometimes Europe does seem like heaven) maternity leave. Luckily, all went well, so this simply meant that I had even more time to enjoy DD at home. I have been back at work since October and I am reasonably happy with it - I do find pumping milk twice a day a hassle, to be honest, but I am happy enough that my milk is still going to try keeping it up. Both DH and I stay at home to care for DD one day every week; she goes to a nursery three days.

Anyway, I am very happy to have found this blog and really enjoy your stories. I only wish I had more time to participate.

Finally, since quite a few here seem to be based in California, a question. From next Thursday we will be spending 3,5 weeks in Cali, flying into SF and traveling around for two weeks holiday after that. Then DH goes to two conferences (in Sonoma and SF), while DD and I will lounge around. DD is still on 100% breast milk. My question (related to Erika's diary): are there types of places particularly suitable to nurse in public (like, I dunno, bookstore or museum cafes) or places you would advise against? Hints and tips are much appreciated.

All the best to you all, and thanks for being in this place!