When my third child was born, I have a very distinct memory of him. Right after he came out, he was put into my arms while he was still connected to the placenta. I remember looking at him and appreciating that connection with him at the moment. I think I was a little bit awestruck that we were connected so tightly for 9 months. Then it was cut and I felt a little sad that it should happen that way. Yet I have thought about it afterwards. Such a deep connection is miraculous, but it is also miraculous that afterwards these children are let go to breathe and eat on their own.
Small steps like these are taken throughout their life. I remember having a hard time when I weaned my kids also. Watching them take their first steps, sleeping in a big bed, going off to school: all of these are little miracles. It is a little sad. But after all, I think the real joy comes in watching them become their own-to see who they become and to watch them find joy within their own lives.
New Beginnings Doula Training
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Sunday, March 30, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Strength
When I have told people that I give birth without an epidural, I often hear the comment ,"Wow, you must be strong", or "oh, I'm not that strong", and this has lead me to contemplate what strength really is. When I think of strong people, I think of people who have had to make difficult decisions. People who choose to go a certain direction, or act a certain way in the face of great hardships to achieve a greater outcome.
In truth, I don't feel like I am much stronger than any other women giving birth. Pregnancy, giving birth, and motherhood all are difficult decisions that require great physical and mental sacrifice. Yet I think most mothers would agree, that these sacrifices are worth it. The decision to become a mother, requires great strength. For me experiencing labor has sent me on a journey of self discovery and truth that I have come to value. So much so that, yes, I choose to experience that pain. But through that pain I have gained understanding. So my strength does not necessarily come from being able to withstand pain, but valuing the experience and understanding what I gain from that. Our strength as mothers could be the same.
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