What's that old saying? Don't judge a book by it's cover?
I went to Half Price Books the other day, and I saw a giant stack of the infamous "What to Expect When You're Expecting" books.
Did you guess A) the young, smiling mom who's out and about, wearing jeans and heels? Or did you guess B) the exhausted mom who looks a little cranky in her rocking chair, wearing her husband's old sweater? If you guessed A... you're correct! Yeah, without hesitation, I got the one of the left. I know the one on the right may paint a more accurate photo of pregnancy, but gosh. I hope I never resort to wearing Hub's old sweaters!
8 voices:
How wonderful! I never thought about this (they didn't have the other cover when I got this book) but,her face looks likes she is miserable lol.
Oh my goodness, Indiana, before you read that book, please watch Ricki Lake's AWESOME documentary about childbirth in America. It is truly illuminating, and shows that there are many more options out there than women are commonly pointed towards.
Childbirth is one of my un-blogged about passions. I have started training to become a doula, and have learned so much about the business aspect of childbirth in our country. It is very sad to me that so many women feel pressured into unnecessary medical procedures that can be both dangerous and just downright painful.
I have not read this book, but I have seen excerpts analyzed, and it seems like one of the main points is to make a lot of the challenges of childbirth seem like no big deal. Then when a woman starts labor she has these preconceived notions of a neat and tidy birth, then is surprised and scared about what is a very challenging experience.
With the right education, preparation, and planning, childbirth can be the magical and amazing event you want.
(PS I'm swear I'm not a crazy hippie wanting women to ONLY give birth at home or in tubs of water or anything... a birth in a hospital can be completely magical and amazing too with the right preparation, communication with your clinician, and support.)
Oh, dear, Chelsea! If only you knew! I DID see that documentary and went from not being sure about having children to wanting children, immediately! That movie changed my life! I was really hesitant about birth, but that WHOLE movie was an ah-ha moment!
I didn't want to go too far into this since I'm not even pregnant, but I do hope to be able to give birth at home with the aid of a doula and midwife and no medication. I got a lot of inspiration from Melissa from Dear Baby.
My best friend had two kids, both by c-section. My good college friend is due in March and she already knows what date she'll be having her c-section. It's their choice, and I'm not going to shove my beliefs on anyone, but for me, personally (and childbirthing is very personal!) I can't imagine anything more magical than being able to give birth in the comfort of my own home, being able to feel and remember every little moment. :0)
Oh pregnancy is awesome in some ways and awful in others! I got the book B. My pregnancy was good, other than not being able to sit through a movie at the theater because I had to pee ever 30 minutes. I was 9 months pregnant when we went to see the dark knight and let me tell you, pregnant and 3 hour movies do NOT mix!!!
Love the new blog!!
Kasaundra
Okay, when you get sick of this book and need a humor break (I only made it to about month 8), read "What to Expect When You're Expected"-- it's a parody written for fetuses. Lmao-- trust me.
Oh, Indiana, you're going to love being pregnant. I can tell just by reading your blog. It is SO awesome. Two years later and I'm still amazed at the fact the my body could grow another body (is that TMI?) It is incredible.
Yes, there are the rough times - ie. morning sickness, trouble sleeping - but the second you feel that child kick it is all worth it.
As far as the books, I wish they had the hip mom book when I was pregnant, she looks much happier and I felt a lot more like she looked!
I thought of you when I read this: http://dearbaby.tumblr.com/
I'm about a decade away from considering all this baby talk, but I can't get over this blog! I went the archives and read it through one Sunday, from the first post to the most recent. It's so beautiful!
I wish you both a lot of happiness and success in this journey!
Liz
aw, I am so glad that I was preaching to the choir (and sorry if it was preachy!). your plan sounds amazing, and it totally made me smile that you went from feeling unsure about having children to wanting them immediately :) yay, childbirth! xoxo
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