I absolutely love being pregnant. I feel very good pregnant and I like how curvy and sexy my body fills out. I feel empowered and strong and able.
Perhaps my favorite thing about being pregnant is the added mindfulness that comes along with it. I rethink everything from my caffeine intake to my posture. I emphasize meditation practices and rethink watching violent or disturbing movies. I exercise regularly and find ways to feel really good about my body and myself.
These are all things I would like to do in everyday, normal, non-pregnant life, but for me pregnancy makes it non-negotiable. There is another person involved now, not just me. Also, there is a birth coming and I know from first hand experience that if I’m not fully prepared on an emotional and physical level the birth is hard and more painful. Whereas if I put in my work and intention during pregnancy, labor and birth sails along and has the potential of being an out of this world, ecstatic experience. It gives me a reason to do yoga when I don’t feel like it and make sure I do my meditations before I fall asleep.
I stay present with Stone and notice when we are out of alignment. I make conscious efforts to grow our relationship because I know the stronger we are as a couple, the better the birth experience and the stronger foundation we build for this new life and new addition to our family.
I guess what I’m saying is pregnancy gives me the ooomph to do what I always *want* to do, but a lot of times put off. I don’t drink, I go to bed early and I make sure I take my salty fermented cod oil (yum!) every day.
I was reflecting on this today as I walked downtown in the sunshine. I had just finished doing some yoga and was feeling very present. I realized that this might be a reason why this pregnancy took me by surprise. I love being pregnant so much I was almost holding that third child off. Wanting to savor it for the future–almost to spread out these baby making years for as long as possible. I’m not sure we are going to have anymore and to think of this as my last pregnancy is a sad thought for me.
It’s also troubling, since I’m realizing I’ve been using pregnancy as a tool for whole health and well-being. What am I going to do when I’m done making babies?
Awareness is the first step and I know I don’t *need* pregnancy as an excuse to make healthy decisions for my life and it brings up an important question: If I’m willing to make these healthy and empowering decisions for my child, why aren’t I willing to make them for myself? Why aren’t I enough of a reason?
Something I’ll be thinking about as I enjoy these moments, these months of my child unfolding.
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Me, too! I was sooo good to myself and the baby when pregnant. It makes me realize how so-not-intrinsic my motivation is.
This was really nice to read Hillary. Love that self portrait of you. I just did a pregnancy shoot for a friend yesterday and afterward looking at the photos I was really struck by how beautiful she is, something I hadn’t anticipated feeling. I was doing it mostly as favor for her and not really anticipating the joy I would feel from working with her. There is just something about being pregnant…
Savor it friend. We are all done and I miss the feeling of a life growing inside of me, the most creative act of all.
this is just lovely my friend.
i’ve reflected on this quite a lot myself. i too *love* being pregnant for all the reasons you described so eloquently.
we are done having babies though so now i have to find that extra “oomph” elsewhere.
yoga is helping me a lot.
i’m finding myself really enjoying the process of physically rebuilding and reclaiming my body after 6+ years of pregnancy and nursing.
my pregnancies were very special times though. i have many fond memories and i enjoyed revisiting them as i read this piece.
love + light…
~erin
exhale. return to center.´s last blog ..the greatest gift
Oh Hill, I loved reading about this! Any pregnancy update is enough to make me drool!
What a lucky little babe you’re carrying!
Love,
Kate
Kate´s last blog ..My Everyday Magic 1/17/2010
I loved that about being pregnant too. It takes so much more effort to be present and midful of the way I treat my body when I’m not pregnant. In fact the only time I ever take yoga classes is when I’m pregnant! There’s something uniquely special about the way we treat ourselves with delicacy and honour when we’re growing a baby.
Melodie´s last blog ..Guest Starring…Breastfeeding Moms Unite!
i always find that i also am way more conscious of my choices while pregnant. and i am definitely way mor ehealthy during pregnancy than after…but i never realized that until reading this post. thank you for the motivation to work on a more healthy post-pregnancy!
Alisha´s last blog ..Home Life
After enduring 2 pregnancies and enjoying my sweet babies (youngest is coming up on 9 mths)… I don’t share your love of pregnancy (hence the use of the word “enduring”!) but I completely understand how women (myself included) are so much more conscious of how they take care of themselves when they are pregnant.
At the moment my motivation to be healthy and stay fit is STILL linked to my kids. Part of it is because I’m still nursing one of them… but beyond that, I want to be an example for them – I want to show them how to be active and healthy… how to take proper care of themselves.
… wish I enjoyed pregnancy as much as you. On the up side of that… I don’t mind labour so much and I ADORE the little ones!
Andrea, that is such a great point! Modeling is a great reason to keep on with all these healthy habits. Thanks so much for reminding me of that.
I have a friend who feels the way you do. She just really doesn’t like being pregnant. The kicker is that she has these awesome, quick births without even putting much thought or effort into it. (Or at least that’s my perception ;-) I’d be curious to hear more about your childbirth experiences.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Isn’t pregnancy amazing! I seemed to do the same thing and once my babes were born, I stopped taking care of myself and just focused on their health and well being. About a year ago, I made a conscious effort to take care of myself and it has been creeping in more and more every day!
Lovely to hear about your pregnancy!
Suzy
I don’t enjoy being pregnant, I’m afraid. Too much nausea with me, but I understand what you’re saying all the same. I have two kids and I feel sad to think I might not have another. Even though I don’t enjoy pregnancy it does hold an undeniable magic and groundedness, and it brings me back into myself.
I suppose that this time, now, when I suspect I may never do it again is the time to find that outside of pregnancy and birth. After all, I deserve it no matter how many babies I have.
I just found your blog and am thrilled. I can’t wait to comb the archives. I love new inspiration.
Peaceliving´s last blog ..Rain.
mmm…i absolutely understand everything you have written about here! thank you for sharing such inspiration, certainly something to be mindful of in my life. gorgeous photo of you mama!
Um, cutest pregnant mama ever:)
I think one of the hardest thoughts about being done with having babies is knowing my body is done growing and birthing them. Pregnancy is a time when the spirit of women past, present, and future seems to converge in holy ways inside us. Its a connection to our mothering net at the deepest level….so glad you are taking the time and space to enjoy it. xoxo
Kate! I so know what you mean. It is a holy place. I find it so easy to tap in to that sacred place when pregnant.
Oh, I love being pregnant too. I’m currently pregnant with number 3 – I’m loving these early weeks a little less given the nausea :) but know how amazing it is to be given the privilege on this earth to grow a new life. Yay for being a woman!