I’ll tell you a secret...
I’m an introverted extrovert. I know, I’m in a career that revolves around speaking to so many people and let me tell you that I LOVE it. It is where I am my very best self and that little introvert that I am so familiar with these days takes a little break! Don't get me wrong, I love a party, concert, family gathering, HOWEVER, I like my space, a good book, a spa day, a deck chair in the Scottish highlands where no one can reach me!
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On Friday 12th July, I attended a networking ‘Inspiration Day’ event by @loveyourbirth_training and it was such a wholesome, engaging and empowering day, filled with incredible practice, creativity and super inspirational and knowledgable speakers. I was surrounded by women who were championing each other and I could not help but feel so proud of everything I’ve achieved in such a short space of time. On reflection, it has been about 9 months since I was in a room with that many people (30ish). For that time, it really has just been me, at home, with Chewie (dog), Violet and Danny when they aren't at nursery/work. I've gotten used to the quiet.
Considering only 9 months ago I was in a secondary school working as an English teacher unbeknownst to my MS diagnosis, and now my whole life looks so different. It initially changed because of a medical reason, yes agreed. But it quickly changed again because I had been the one to make powerful decisions. The 'inspiration day' reminded me that just like I tell my clients time and time again, our mindset can change EVERYTHING.
I decided that my life wasn't going to look like it did - my mobility was decreasing, my anxiety and depression were rising and I was becoming a person that I didn't recognise. I admit, as soon as the hospital caught onto the severity of my situation, they switched things up pretty quickly and just knowing that I was finally seen and being heard, was enough to motivate me further. Each day felt easier and I felt like I existed again. I imagined life again, running again, dancing again, walking the dog again, taking Violet to (future) school and parties, going on family holidays, meeting up with my girlfriends and laughing and singing. It's amazing what you can manifest when you imagine. I even imagined working again. This time, working in a job that I whole-heartedly love and a job that works for me, too.
And although, this seems like a completely different situation to you mama, I'll tell you why it's relatable - because your mindset matters. Right now you might be sat on your sofa with sciatica, back pain, lightening crotch (IYKYK), nausea, worry and wondering if those little pats at your tummy are indeed kicks or just wind... You might be lying awake at night googling certain symptoms and chatting to those around you about how you're feeling but still not feeling confident about the birth and are actually just deciding that 'what will be, will be', 'I will go with the flow' and there is 'nothing I can do about it'. Sound familiar?
Well there is something you can do, lovely. It's never too early, or too late. You can empower yourself with a fully informed birth: learn all about the physiological aspect of birth, where is best for you to birth, what positions will be beneficial, just to name a few! Just like me when I thought that my body had lead me to a path that didn't have options, I figured that I absolutely did, as do you!
A favourite quote of mine is, 'If you don't know your options, then you don't have any!'
Make sure you know yours.
Today - I want you to start with just 2 things - STOP watching/hearing negative birth stories and START watching/hearing positive birth stories. If you are going to google anything, it's this!
A new world is coming for you, mama. A year from now, you will have bossed the birth and will be holding onto your gorgeous baby in your arms. Imagine that... I'm already proud of you.
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