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| Last Days of Pregnancy are Here |
Retrospect~
My first pregnancy and delivery was hard. At the time I was even thinking it might not be possible for me to try and do it all again. Now, I look back at that experience and I'm so grateful for the things I learned from it. Retrospect is a great teacher, but even more so when we document it. Keeping a journal of all that I went through helped me a great deal in my following pregnancies. As I read through the past, it gives me a sense of accomplishment, and gratitude for where I am now. I admire my old self, in that I was strong enough to get through hard times, and it was humbling. I'm much less likely to complain about smaller discomforts I've experienced in latter pregnancies. I have more empathy for those who are struggling to get through their own maternal experiences as well. I don't really want to go through and list all the things that happened. Dwelling on things, and digging up old suffering doesn't seem to do much good--but we never forget what happened. It changes us for the better if we let it. We all have our own personal path of both trials and great joy.
After going through some particularly challenging physical and emotional times in my life, (this time not related to pregnancy,) at one point I wrote sort of a "Rising of the Pheonix" type poem:
Emerge from the rubble
Strap on my wings
Step out of the fire
A bit singed by these things
Purified my perspective
It seemed so hard before
We'll all resurrect
From the dust of this world
We'll rise again, and again. It's not just some magical transformation that happens to us only once. Every time I think I have myself figured out, I have to submit to how much I don't. I believe there is a life after this one, and eventually we will rise and shake off the dust of this world, but we'll never forget or regret what we had here. We have the opportunity to grow and change into future gods and goddesses. Our capacity is unmeasured. Every time I birth a small infant who enters this world, I believe he came from another place I'll someday return to. We'll all return there together.
During those long nights when I was pregnant with my first son, I would read for comfort. My faithful dog Toby always seemed to be there, curled up by my side. One night, I read this scripture:
"For after much tribulation,
as I have said unto you in a former commandment,
cometh the blessing." Doctrine and Covenants 103:12
Bringing my sons into the world has been that blessing. Its a joy I can't describe to be a mother, even though I feel completely inadequate for the job every day. In just two weeks or so, Connor and I will have three small boys growing up under our roof. It's going to be celebratory!
For an Easier Pregnancy~ Much of this information comes from Dr. Christopher, master herbalist. I've modified it to my own needs.
A Whole Food Prenatal- Less nausea, and more absorption when it comes from a food source supplement. I personally like Rainbow Light brand
Fish Oil- Take up to 4,000mg daily if suffering from depression during baby's stages of brain and eye development.
Chlorophyll-Fights fatigue by helping with iron absorption for anemia, bringing more oxygen to the bloodstream, and helps keep the blood mildly detoxified, as well as the bowels more regular.
Wheat Germ Oil- A valuable source of vitamins E, and B6. Excellent for skin conditions as it lubricates the tissues, and improves heart health.
Black Strap Molasses- Provides Iron, Calcium, and Magnesium, as well as B6. Supports thyroid function and endocrine system balance. Supports the nervous system.
Probiotics- Food Sources such as kefir and other fermented foods ward off digestive discomforts, and prevent future colic in baby. Also, supports immunity in a very safe way.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea- Keeps Progesterone levels higher, which prevents miscarriage, nausea, emotional instability, insomnia, muscle tension, and headaches. Tones the uterus, preparing it for delivery. High is Magnesium, so therefore relaxes muscles, eases contractions and postpartum pains, and so much more. Dr. Christopher recommends up to a quart a day. I was drinking this much before pregnancy, so sometimes I even drink more than that, or use the capsules as well.
Other Herbal Teas to Rotate and Vary- Dandelion, Peppermint, Ginger, Nettle, Red Clover, Rooibos, Burdock Root.
Greens Powder including Kelp- This one is more specific to those who need a little help with a sluggish thyroid. It's also a good source of quick energy, and veggies when it's just too hard to eat a salad.
Safe Immunity Boosters- Garlic, Elderberry, Vit. D, Vit. C (in smaller, infrequent doses), Zinc lozenges, Colostrum, Probiotics, Homeopathic remedies for colds and flu, Essential Oils, and Lemon Juice with a dash of Cayenne in water.
For Sciatica/Back Pain- YOGA (of course), Massage, Mineral Baths, Arnica, Peppermint Essential Oil, Magnesium, and Ice packs. Also adjusting sleep position to the left side with pillows supporting between the legs.
My Own Personal Must-Haves- YOGA as often as possible, along with other forms of exercise. Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic, and Chlorophyll for Obstetric Cholestasis. Birthing Hypnosis Sessions. Borage Oil for Post Delivery Belly Fat...
If these basic things are incorporated into an already healthy lifestyle, the results will have a ripple effect into every other discomfort you could experience. I'm not saying that it will all just be a piece of cake, but the benefits are amazing. Pregnancy doesn't have to mean becoming an invalid for nine months. You can feel more like yourself, be more active, and have the resilience to get through the days that are inevitably going to be rough. I believe that pregnancy, labor and delivery, nursing, and motherhood can all be mostly positive experiences. I have my fears and worries, that creep up on me, but most of the time I've been looking forward with optimism in the days to come ahead!
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