I'll start with my pregnancy:

Morning sickness would imply a time specific ailment that once the allotted time had passed, would no longer afflict. This was my first introduction into the many unexpected adventures of becoming a mom. I was supportingly advised that morning sickness (even that which lasts 24hours a day for 5months, "At least it wasn't the entire time like me." Suzy stings back.) is a sign of a healthy pregnancy. "Your body is adjusting to its new occupant." my highly recommended OB reminds me. I have read two different birth books and am on my third so this is old news. As is the shutting bolt of Thor that lightning’s down my back and leg whenever I stand. But I am lucky, as these are my only two complaints through out my pregnancy. I actually really liked being pregnant. I have never felt so balanced emotionally. I have always felt a strong push to go, go, go... For the first time I felt happily relaxed with my world and myself. The experience was strengthening my already strong marriage bringing us closer together then ever. The sex remained great and my sex drive seemed to only increase. I felt beautiful. Like a fertile flower in the mist of creating a miracle in the protective splendor of her petals. My work, family and friends were all with the program and so supportive and giving that I fell in love with them all over again. I attribute a lot of this to a positive attitude. I educated my self so that I would feel empowered and I did. I practiced a pre-natal yoga routine nightly with my husband playing a relaxing Vangelis melody in the background. I meditated. I sang to my peanut while rubbing whichever body part protruded at that moment. I developed and practiced journeying to my happy place on demand. I ate very healthy, walked regularly, swam weekly and drank lots of water. Birth ball, Bradley Method, hypnobirthing, pelvic floor exercises… I slept as much as I could given a naturally fickle bladder that required attention every 2hours. My husband gave me messages, I got professional prenatal messages, I joined a prenatal women’s group, I took classes, I got acupuncture, I researched like a was starving for information, I pampered my self... My point? I did it all. For me, all this preparation worked to make my pregnancy great. Of course, at the time I was not just doing it for the health and well being of my little pea. I had a secret selfish reason. I wanted the perfect labor. I had gotten my hands on several sources touting information leading to an easy labor experience and I bought it hook line and sinker. In my newby head the pain of giving birth was a myth, a social phenomenon perpetrated by at best a general miss understanding of the labor process and at worst a mean hearted conspiracy to keep women down. I was sure that as long as I followed the methods prescribed I could have the natural, medication and intervention free vaginal delivery that would be best for me and my baby.

Well I’m sure you can see where this is going

• ‹ previous
• next ›