An Interview with Pregnant Mom, Liz

• Your name – Liz
• Partner’s name – Darren
• Estimated due date – December 1, 2013
• OB, family practice doctor or midwife? Midwife
• Home, birthcenter or hospital? Hospital

 

 

 

1. What is your favorite thing about being pregnant?

I love the feeling that for every moment during these nine months, I am doing something productive. Whether I am sleeping, eating breakfast, hanging out with friends and family, or even just lying on the couch like a bum, I’m always doing the important work of growing a new life in my belly!

2. Tell us a bit about how you see your vision for your birth.

This will be my second birth experience, having given birth to a baby girl by unexpected emergency Cesarean in October of 2011. My vision for this birth is an all-natural VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) in a hospital, with immediate skin-to-skin contact with my new baby. In the months leading up to my first daughter’s birth, I was very confident and sure that I would have the all-natural birth I expected, and I was very much caught off-guard when things did not go as planned. This time, I plan to expect the unexpected, but also to prepare myself as much as possible, mentally and physically, for the extra challenges I will face as a VBAC candidate. My vision for an ideal birth this time around consists of being informed, educated, calm, and a good advocate for myself to make judicious and confident decisions every step of the way, no matter what this new baby may have planned for me.

3. What’s your top self-care tip to handle those no-so-fun moments of pregnancy?

Practice conscious breathing. The not-so-fun moments of pregnancy can happen at any time, whether alone at home, at work, or in a social situation. Breath is discreet, effective, and always available; you just have to remember to use it!

4. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I think I’m going to have to go with teleportation (AKA “apparition”, for the Harry Potter fans!). I spend way too much time getting from one place to another!

5. Why did you choose Shining Light Prenatal Education for your classes?

I chose Shining Light Prenatal because of my previous experiences with Deena, the owner. My first pregnancy transpired before Deena opened her center, but when she was already teaching yoga and birthing classes elsewhere. I took her prenatal yoga classes and my husband and I had Deena’s private childbirth classes in our home. When the center in Lawrenceville opened, I knew I wanted to be a part of something so unique and innovative in Pittsburgh. I started out as a part-time prenatal yoga instructor at the center, and when I became pregnant again, I jumped right back in as a student!

6. What’s the best part about coming to class here?

As a mom to an amazing 2-year-old, almost all of my energy and attention is focused on her at all times. I love her madly, and every day I am astonished by something that she says or does. It’s absolutely wonderful, but that being said…. sometimes I have that 2nd time mom feeling that I can’t imagine loving a new child as much as I love her! (Although I’m sure I will….especially being there to witness the two of them as they grow to love each other). I would say that the best part about going to classes at Shining Light is some time set aside just to focus on this new baby and this upcoming birth.