After my pregnancy with Mabel, we were separated when she was just a few days old.
The reason is that, after giving birth, I was left with a tear.
The surgery was initially unsuccessful so I had to return to the hospital - and leave Mabel at home - for an operation under epidural.
Looking back, I wonder whether I might have avoided the tear in the first place had I been more relaxed going into the birth.
You see, my pregnancy coincided with opening
Sneak-A-Peek Ultrasound, so I was putting a lot of time, effort, and money into getting the clinic going.
At times, it was very stressful - and my pregnancy, health, and well-being often took a back seat.
For example, the friends I met in
antenatal class were taking hypnobirthing courses, but I never had the time or energy to do the same.
Now that I'm pregnant again, I'm still working, but there's been more time to relax.
Last week, for instance, I lay in the sun reading a book, and I can't even tell you the last time that happened!
Anyway...
With Mabel, my interest in pregnancy and birth was reactive - on a "need to know" basis. In this pregnancy, I've been reading
Practical Ways to Make Your Birth Better, because I want to do all I can to stay relaxed and allow nature to take its course.
My point, I suppose, is that every pregnancy is different - even when it's the same person growing different babies.
And even though it's impossible to control pregnancy outcomes, there are things we can do to prepare for birth and help make the experience as positive as possible.
With that being the case, I recommend
Practical Ways to Make Your Birth Better as a good starting point - especially if you're new to hypnobirthing like I am.
It can also be helpful to have regular private scans, either to spot problems early - and get fast access to care - or to ease your mind and body.
To a happy and healthy pregnancy,
Maria Birch x