From a Mom of Three to a Mom to BE

02/23/2013

If you would’ve told me 10 years ago that I was going to be a WAHM (Work At Home Mom) with 3 children, I probably would’ve laughed in your face!

When growing up and dreaming about my future, children were never in it. Not quite sure why not? I pictured a house, horses, work and freedom. Then with a blink of an eye and now in almost five years I went from a Mom to Be to a Mom of Three! One baby almost going to be five, another 3 and the youngest 16months.

Then at our Mom to Be one day class, as a sat in a room full of soon to be parents excited to embark on this journey called birth and then parenting, I realized they really don’t know what they’re in for! In fact no one ever does! And I am not talking about coming a parent. I am talking about what needs to happen first. You know having that baby. 

Even if you had been dreaming about holding that baby for a long time or it had never crossed your mind about what it might feel like to hold your own baby.  Actually having the baby is not what we dream of! At least not in a “good” dream.  And I think that is exactly what makes having a baby so scary but exciting at the same time!

On that day I thought hmm what little tidbit could I share with them from my past three experiences of actually giving birth? From my wealth of knowledge, if you will.  I started thinking of the many things I could say and of the many things I should not say but I came to the conclusion that really I only want to say four things, which may even be to much!

Because I am sure you have already either read all of the books and have crammed your head with way to much. Or you are not reading anything at all because you are like me and just are really unsure of where to even start!

This is what I thought of as I looked around at the couples that day.

I am sure you may have heard it before but here is my list in no particular order:

1.  Even though you may be scared this is going to happen! So… prepare for it, how bout just practice some deep breathing (slow deep breaths way down in that belly)
2. Empower yourself  by knowing that women (in fact all living creatures) have been doing this for millions of years, we are made to do this and you can do this too! Go in with an open mind. Cause one thing I know for sure was that each of my children’s birth was different but with the same end result!
3.  Find your support. And I know you will say that you have your husband and that is all you need. Fine. But remember they have no clue what you are going through and it is hard for them to see you in pain. So they are completely focused on you, yes! And yes the nurses are wonderful in the hospital but they may also have other jobs that they need to get done while you are in labour (which may be a few hours (insert smiley face here)) . If you could have someone else who can be your go-for, your advocate, your mom. I suggest maybe finding that person. Someone who can be your main stay your I’ll get that. Or the one that whispers in your ear “you can do this!” or to your husband “she can do this!” Or just sits back quietly to wait for your next beckoning.
4.  And the lastly know that with each contraction that you are getting closer to your final one! And through each contraction know there is an end to even these. And that the gift at the end, the one  that you have preparing for probably more then 9 months is pretty amazing. And once you do that one last push and then finally feel that relief, you will be holding that precious wrinkly babe in your arms. And sure they may not always look the prettiest at first and there may be some things that happened to you that you were not expecting.  But now you can start that new journey we call being a mother. Which we can talk about another day. For now remember to try and get some rest!

Our next Mom to Be (Prenatal Couples) Full Day Class will be April 13th 

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