In Women in Science: Then and Now , Vivian Gornick writes that "the generation now in its thirties and forties no longer considers work and life an either/or proposition. These women take for granted the right to bear children, have a family, live a full life — and not be punished professionally for doing so."

But how do women scientists maintain their careers through the demands of pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood? Under the Microscope talked to Beena Kalisky, 33, a post-doctoral physicist at Stanford University. This year, she won the prestigious L'Oreal Women in Science Fellowship. She also gave birth to her third child. "Combining family and experimental research is not easy, but not impossible," she writes.

"The main thing that can be done is to create a family-supportive academic environment," Kalisky explains. 

She also advises:

• Have "an excellent on-campus day care facility." Kalisky knows that her 4- and 2-year-old children are in good hands while she works long hours every day. And her newborn baby will soon be joining her other two children.

• Understand that giving birth and caring for an infant takes only a small amount of time in the context of a career. "It is only temporary and should not affect the course of the woman's career," Kalisky wrote. "It can make a big difference if women are assisted in taking leave without damaging their career."

• Don't feel compelled to choose one over the other. Kalisky believes that people can devote themselves to both children and career.

• Deal with — and don't hide or ignore — the physical and emotional components of pregnancy and motherhood. Physically, women may have changes in their energy levels and mobility, and fetuses may not be safe in the laboratory environment. Emotionally, women may experience "extreme worry and stress ... as well as mood and concentration changes," Kalisky says. "I feel that the gradual increase in the number of women, especially in the higher ranks of the profession, contributes to a better understanding of these unspoken issues."

As for her own childhood, Kalisky says she never encountered discrimination. "I was lucky to grow up in an equal opportunity environment where I was encouraged to study and explore my interests," she says. "I am extremely interested in what I am doing, and I think that is the main reason I stick with it."

Do you think it's possible to have a scientific career and a family? What are the components of a "family-supportive academic environment"? Write your thoughts in the comments section or write your own story of balancing career and family for our Your Stories section (registration and login required).

Photo courtesy of Beena Kalisky.

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