I’m not going to think about all the weeks I didn’t go to prenatal yoga this pregnancy and instead am going to gush on and on about how thankful I have it now.
***
Now when my belly’s big enough to make it hard to put on my shoes or get out of bed.
Now when I’m realizing a new little one will be in my arms, in my home in a few short months.
Now when my attention turns to preparing myself to give birth again.
***
I’m a little surprised there aren’t more 2nd time (or 3rd) time mothers at yoga class because I think prenatal yoga is perfect for first time mamas, but for the mama who has other children at home, yoga class is like a day at the spa. It’s quiet and beautiful and helps me turn off my mind. It creates the quiet space (that’s almost impossible to create at home) to acknowledge this new being and steady myself to be ready for their arrival.
I think there is definitely something to be said for feeling experienced. I’ve given birth twice and feel like I know how to do it. Or rather I know how to prepare, because what I’m realizing is that no matter how many times you’ve given birth when you are sitting on one side of the mountain and you realize you have to climb it again–you know it’s a journey in and of itself each time you make the climb. A familiar journey, but familiarity doesn’t mean I don’t need to be prepared mentally, physically and emotionally.
I’ve had so little time to spend relaxing into this pregnancy that I’m a little worried that I may be sweeping some emotions under the rug and we all know what happens in labor–it’s like a spring clean of the mind, body and soul. Anything that was hiding is brought to the surface and if my experience is to serve me it reminds me to deal with all that is tucked away *before* going into labor so that I may relax and hand my mind over to my body and get out of my own way.
I find myself panting as I heft myself up the stairs and the grunts that slip out of my mouth as I lower myself to the rug to play trains are all tell tale signs that it’s time to get ready. Though there is still work to be done, the family business is launched and after I lobby in Albany on Monday I plan on completely giving myself to this pregnancy and my little ones who have so grumpily patiently been waiting on the back burner this past month.
This will be my last week of birth activism craziness. I’ll be speaking at the rally and setting up a photo booth to continue to collect pictures for the photo project. I’ve also been working with statewide leaders to help organize the event on a strategic level. This has been time consuming, but I can’t tell you how amazing it’s been to work with such talented, motivated and informed women!!! I don’t regret any of the time I’ve spent, but I am ready to just be mama for a little bit and I can see that to be the jewel of this life experience.
I hope to be sharing my speech and some of my projects from Albany, but let’s just hope that next month’s posts are filled with sewing projects, homemade meals and gentle musings. Mmmm…that feels good just thinking about it.
In fact I should make you my accountability coaches. If– for some insane reason you don’t see me slowing down and keeping myself chilled out you have my full permission to remind me to please slow down and give myself time just for the family.
(You didn’t know reading this whole post would result in getting volunteered for a job now did you?)
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Hillary if you ever have the chance I’d love to hear more about your family business. I want to know how families like ours are making it and living their values and dreams. Even a page on your side bar that I could link to (I’ve looked by haven’t found one).
And yes, you take care of you and the baby. And I know why more 2nd and 3rd timers aren’t at pre-natal yoga. The more kiddos (especially littles) you have the more difficult it is to take care of yourself.
Renee, I started to answer in this comment thread and realized it’s worthy of at least an intro blog post!
It’s something I plan on writing and talking about a lot more in the future.
beautiful post!!!
i taught prental yoga during both of my pregnancies and have recently started teaching it again (though i am done having babies myself).
one of my favorite things to do during the class is to create quiet space for the mamas to talk (and listen) to their babies. i tune in during that time too and it is amazing all the beautiful energy exchanges i can feel. such a sacred time.
lots of love to you my friend…
~erin
.-= exhale. return to center.´s last blog ..sharing the journey =-.
Beautiful post Hillary. I hiked and did pilates and pre natal yoga up until 38 weeks pregnant with my son. We are going to try for #2 next month and I don’t see myself getting nearly as much down time to prepare. By #2 or #3 mamas are busy. But it is so important, so good for you for carving out this space for you and your baby. I’m staying tuned to make sure you slow down!
.-= PureMothers´s last blog ..Gardening in Great Britain =-.
*smile*
*hugs*
*conscious breathing*
See you in Albany!
.-= erin´s last blog ..Sweet Spring =-.
You’re so right about prenatal yoga when you have little ones at home. I totally didn’t understand spas or pampering in general until I had kids. Now, finally, I get it.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to do the prenatal thing in my 2nd pregnancy because I had to be home for bedtime. My daughter wouldn’t go to sleep for anyone else, and I wasn’t ready to force the issue until I had to. If only there had been a Saturday morning class in my area, that would have totally rocked.
.-= Amber´s last blog ..Everything Old is New Again =-.
I never got the spa thing either, Amber, and now I dream of a Mother’s Day where I might get some sort of gift certificate.
My class is Sunday at 4:30 which is sort of a weird time, but at this point I wouldn’t miss it. I think I wait the whole time for shavasana!
Being around all those first timers I remember having all that down time at home just waiting for the baby and in some ways I wish I could have appreciated it more, but in other ways I remember it being a slightly torturous wait.
Yes, Hillary!!! YES! And I’ve found (and I’m sure you’d agree and perhaps that’s what your next post is about) that the more little ones you have at home, the MORE important it is to take time for yourself.
I’ve actually been MUCH better at meeting my needs since my 2nd son was born ~ out of absolute necessity, so I could be the kind of mother I want to be.
And I so remember being pregnant with ds2 and NEEDING to belly-dance! I HAD TO! There wasn’t a class near me, but it was so important to me, I found a teacher about 30 minutes away, and asked her to come teach at our local yoga studio ~ she agreed and THAT’S where I met the FABULOUS women who became my dear friends and threw me my blessingway. It’s been one of my proudest manifestations.
All this to say that taking care of mama is DEFINITELY #1 on my list, and if there’s something you REALLY want to do, never underestimate your power to manifest it.
I love you and think you’re FABULOUS!!!
Looking forward to your slowing down (though I definitely think you’ve done everything exactly as your baby wanted you to do so far in this pregnancy.) ;)
.-= Kate´s last blog ..My Everyday MUSIC Magic 4/7/2010 =-.
Good luck on your activism, access to midwives is so important! I feel so lucky that I had a state funded midwife when I first gave birth in British Columbia, Canada, and I plan on doing so for this second birth in September though moving provinces may complicate things.
Thank you for mentioning the bliss of getting away to prenatal classes, I’m going to try to put a priority on that this summer!
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