I think the woman is getting so much criticism here is BECAUSE she is ambitious.
True.
Why sad? Her child did not suffer because she was working, she didn't suffer. She simply ignored the discomfort of labor and was able to concentrate on work. I would see that being a nice distraction from cramps. And one can't judge the quality of her work without seeing it first.
And it is also true, she only worked during the early stages, so it probably was something she could do to take her mind off it.
It's really "damned if you do, damned if you don't." Women are discriminated against because they will get pregnant and take time off for family, but apparently trying to do both is an unspeakable crime as well.
*nods*