08/05/2024
As this pivotal moment in my life fast approaches, I feel at peace and grateful for the past 8 months.
When I first learnt I was pregnant, although it was wanted, I couldn't help feeling nervous about how a child would impact my unconventional lifestyle, I had no clue about parenting, I felt anxious about giving birth and apprehensive about how having a child would change the dynamic of my relationship.
So I chose to approach this new chapter of my life with intention and curiosity. It would become an opportunity to learn and I would do whatever I needed to do to intentionally address and overcome my fears.
I decided that feeling prepared and informed is what would allow me to feel confident, and open/honest communication with my partner about my needs, feelings, and views on birth and parenting is what would allow us to transition and grow into our new roles harmoniously.
I also asked some of my mum friends, midwives and doulas what their top tips or learnings were for child birth and the post partum period, whilst bearing in mind that everyone's experience is different.
I found this exercise to be really insightful, and drawing from the wisdom of others who have walked this road before me has given me strength to find my own way.
Here are some of their responses:
- Relinquish control and trust the process
- Breathe, move and make sound
- Follow your instinct and work with gravity
- Show up with self compassion, focus on being good enough, not super mum
- Speak and sing to baby, visualise your birth
- Carve out quality time with your partner
- Have open and honest conversations with your partner about how you're feeling
- Be mindful that you and your partner will be tired and more likely to fall out over house and baby stuff, so give yourself some space, be kind and compassionate
- Stock up your breast feeding station with snacks and put tea/coffee in a thermos. You will need to eat constantly whilst BF!
- Take enough time to rest after birth, let others look after you, so you can look after baby
- Everything is a phase, the good and bad will pass, so just be in it and don't wish anything away
Continued in the comments..