Your Name: Jessi
Partner’s Name: Kevin
Estimated Due Date: September 8th
Care Provider: Midwife
Location: Birthcenter
1. What is your favorite thing about being pregnant?
Seeing the multitude of changes that my body is going though and experiencing this innate creative power that I had but never had access to before. And how my husband kisses my belly and talks to our baby, which is the sweetest thing ever.
2. Tell us a bit about how you see your vision for your birth.
I am really looking forward to the physical challenge. As a roller derby skater and someone who’s heavily tattooed, I know a little bit about pushing through uncomfortable sensations to reach a goal and I see birth through that prism. It’s called labor for a reason so I’m expecting to do some serious work to bring my baby into the world, but at the same time I’m very excited to see exactly what my body is capable of doing.
I was present for my sister’s birth at a birthing center twenty-four years ago and since then I’ve always envisioned myself giving birth in a similar environment with minimal medical intervention. Even though my mom lives in Wyoming and won’t be present for the birth, knowing about and being a part of her birth experiences makes me feel very connected to her and gives me so much positive energy for the birth.
3. What’s your top self-care tip to handle those no-so-fun moments of pregnancy?
I bought a pass to the city pools, which has been a lifesaver. Swimming helps me cool off, reduces swelling and allows me to be totally comfortable for a little while, which is very rare now that I’m nearing the end of my pregnancy. It’s also a great way to keep up with some exercise without always feeling like I’m out of breath and losing all my flexibility. I usually take a book and spend a little me time reading in the sun, too.
4. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Iron will power! The ability to totally avoid procrastinating so that I could have everything I feel like needs to done finished before the baby gets here.
5. Why did you choose Shining Light Prenatal Education for your classes?
We discovered the center because we live really close by, but the variety of classes offered and the holistic approach to birth and parenting was what sealed the deal for us.
6. What’s the best part about coming to class here?
Getting my husband involved. He has really enjoyed our classes and now seems much more confidant that he is going to be an active and valuable part of our baby’s birth. I always knew he would be, but the hands-on practice in Confident Birthing class made him feel much more prepared and now he shares my excitement for the actual process of birth, not just the arrival of the baby.
Yeah! Great interview! I met Jessi in our first Shining Light class when we were first pregnant. Hard to believe its getting close now!
Best wishes, Jessi and Kevin!