Very eye-opening

March 24, 2008 by veronica.

I am in the midst of wading through what I now help many, many women wade through. Now that I am 4 months pregnant, it’s amazing how much easier things are not having to pick up books, wanting them to tell me the hundreds of things that could go wrong. I know what can happen. I know what to expect (without reading that terrible, awful book. Seriously? No educator recommends it!)and it’s been very nice navigating this pregnancy. I know few women take a refresher course (even though they should…just ask a mom who has), but I’m not because, well, I teach the darn thing!!!! However, there have been gut-wrenching choices to make. But yet I made them and I know it’s not based on fear that I’m sick or that I need someone to save me. It’s all very empowering. I do want to detail why i made the choices I have, and how I will continue to make those choices. I’m learning that pregnancy is just as much about growing a baby and growing in understanding and knowledge. I’ve got the basics down (again, because, hello, I teach them!!!), but I’m continually striving for more every day.

In the meantime, two things. Last weekend, I got together with some friends to watch Rikki Lake’s documentary, “The Business of Being Born”. You can rent it through Netflix right now. It’s excellent. I actually came away with a message one might not expect, but I will detail later. I just thought it was amazing to hear the OBs make some of their comments, but really, any one who seen many births knew that was the case. I just think it’s very thought-provoking.

Also, if you are so inclined, there was an article about Penny Simkin just written in Seattle. She’s the start of the doula movement, and many moms who have had kids would have gone through something Penny devised. You can fnd it here: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/pacificnw/2004299467_pacificpenny23.html
Anyway. That’s it for now.

Posted in Living la vida Lamaze, The doula journey, Reviews | 1 Comment »