"Near the end of labor, my ego, mental chatter and birth plans all receded into the activity of birth. My thinking-mind plummeted into an immense silence in which I felt bathed in love and well-being.
"It was then, for an unforgettable moment, that I felt a oneness with all mothers who had ever given birth, and to mothers all over the world who were laboring and giving birth with me that night. For a fleeting moment, I saw all of us reaching deep inside for strength to break through the mental and physical limitations which we, as maidens, had assumed to exist.
"No longer feeling isolated, I noticed a surge of compassion and vigor. Strange as it may sound, it seemed that my effort was in some way helping others through labor, and their effort was helping me. In giving birth to Sky, I had become a link in the eternal chain of Mothers." (Pam England, Birthing From Within, 9)
In a recent post on That Wife, Jenna mentioned a desire for a blessingway, which we will refer to as a Mother's Blessing. This blog is an attempt to bring the love and positive energy of this special ritual to Jenna from her real and "virtual" friends. In preparing your contribution, perhaps consider some of questions posed by Pam England, in her book Birthing From Within:
- What helped you most when you gave birth?
- What was your spiritual experience of giving birth?
- If you could do it over again, what would you do the same?
- Is there anything you would do differently?
- What do you wish you had known beforehand?
You are invited to use a quote, story, song, poem, wish, or any other format you want for your blessing to Jenna as she prepares for this momentous occasion.
This forum is, in no way, limited to those who are mothers. When motherhood has not yet been realized, all women are mothers-in-embryo, and are likely to have learned or experienced aspects of birth from the women in their circles of influence. Please feel free to contribute and share--your voice is wanted!
The comment forum will be closed when word is received that Jenna has gone into labor or had her baby. Please try to send your "blessing" sooner rather than later! This post and accompanying comments will eventually be transferred to Jenna in a file for her to do with as she pleases, and the blog will be deleted.
Please note: All comments will be moderated. I will attempt to post them as they come, but due to personal time constraints the process will sometimes be delayed.
Since this is a “gift” for Jenna, you can rest assured she will not see or know of any negative comments, so if you are in the malicious minority of her readers who are inclined to do that, please don’t waste your time.
Sending along the very best wishes for strength and peace during your labour and delivery! I know that you are mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually prepared for this journey into motherhood, and we will be thinking of you! Many virtual hugs & much support from across "the Pond" in England. -Becky
ReplyDeleteJenna - I am just starting my motherhood journey but your posts and thought process have greatly inspired me to be as thoughtful myself.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone can do this it's you, with TH by your side! Remember not only are you bringing a beautiful life into this world, you are inspiring others to see birth as a natural, healthy process that makes us stronger as women and mothers.
Cleaning and Scrubbing
ReplyDeleteCan wait 'til tomorrow
For babes grow up
We've learned to our sorrow...
So quiet down cobwebs
Dust go to sleep,
I'm rocking my baby
And babies don't keep.
Love the time with your little one. Becoming a Mommy is a wonderful thing.
Hi Jenna! Sending you love, hugs, brownies, positive thoughts, chocolate cupcakes, best wishes, smiles, chocolate chip cookies, good luck, and congratulations! I am so thrilled for you and excited to follow along as you begin this next phase of your life.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a mom yet, but I know when things get really tough, I try focusing on the silver linings (which shouldn't be too hard to find since you are having a baby!). My husband also always breaks out the terrible jokes I love that will make me laugh every time... which also takes my mind off the negative as I think about how great he is to me.
ReplyDeleteRegardless of whether or not we know you are in labor, pretty much now until you post a photo of T1, you have well wishes headed your way from all over the world. :)
Pablo Neruda is my favorite modern poet. I especially love this poem that talks about the unconditional love of a mother. Wishing you all the best, Jenna, as you embark on this new and eternal adventure!
ReplyDeleteTO WASH A CHILD
by Pablo Neruda
Only the most ancient love on earth
will wash and comb the statue of the children,
straighten the feet and knees.
The water rises, the soap slithers,
and the pure body comes up to breathe
the air of flowers and motherhood.
Oh, the sharp watchfulness,
the sweet deception,
the lukewarm struggle!
Now the hair is a tangled
pelt criscrossed by charcoal,
by sawdust and oil,
soot, wiring, crabs,
until love, in its patience,
sets up buckets and sponges,
combs and towels,
and, out of scrubbing and combing, amber,
primal scrupulousness, jasmines,
has emerged the child, newer still,
running from the mother's arms
to clamber again on its cyclone,
go looking for mud, oil, urine and ink,
hurt itself, roll about on the stones.
Thurs, newly washed, the child springs into life,
for later, it will have time for nothing more
than keeping clean, but with the life lacking.
Jenna, I wish for you a transformative, momentous experience, the strength to remember throughout that you can do it and it will be done, and a beautiful healthy baby.
ReplyDeleteI actually had a dream last night in which you were laboring and brought a beautiful baby into the world and suddenly in that same moment you strength became my strength and i was able to do the same thing. I'm not pregnant but have been wrestling with the fears of having a family of my own-- and I woke up feeling empowered. Know that your soon to be realized strength is part of a chain of empowerment and just as you feed off those who have gone before you, you inspire others ahead.
ReplyDeleteJenna already knows the birth story of my beautiful son and my feelings on birthing him naturally, but I wanted to add my comments for her here.
ReplyDeleteMy son was measuring very large; 6 weeks prior to his due date he was measuring at 6 lbs. I was assured that those readings are usually inaccurate. Good thing I accepted that as fact since I would have scared myself to think of birthing a 9.5lb baby (in the end he was 10lb5oz so what good would scaring myself have done!)
Somehow, even though my son was measuring so large, and even though prior to researching how I wanted to birth him I joked I would immediately want drugs, I found myself in the quiet moments before birthing him able to acutely focus on how strong my body is as a woman and how capable women are of birthing their children.
I never faltered from this focus. Every contraction that came, I clung to the side of my bed like I was in a small dingy in the ocean clinging to the side of an ocean liner. I just focused on each individual contraction and never let myself get overwhelmed by the enormity of the task at hand.
Believe in yourself, Jenna. Even in the darkest moment when you are clinging for dear life onto that ocean liner as the waves pass over you. You are strong, you are capable and you are going to birth your beautiful baby.
Enjoy every moment of your birth and hold on to those memories because you will need them when it is time to start the actual process of raising your child. Birthing your child will take one day. Raising him or her will take a lifetime.
I would like to wish Jenna strength and peace during her labor. Strength to get through labor and peace to know that everything will work out as intended. I would also like to wish her and That 1 saftey so they can have the homebirth that Jenna wants and deserves.
ReplyDeleteJenna,
ReplyDeleteI am not a mother, but my wish for you is a beautiful birth story, an instant bond with your child, and an strengthened marriage with your husband. I wish you beautiful days with your little one, and sleep-filled nights (eventually). I wish you peace and harmony in your household. Most of all, I wish your family happiness.
All my love.
I am not a mother, Jenna, but I have faith that you will be successful and wonderful both in birth and this new adventure of motherhood. You are a wonderful, intelligent woman who has many gifts to share the world and one of them is that of a child. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteJenna, you will be a fabulous mother. You know how I know? Because you are a strong woman, you are dedicated in your beliefs and you know what you want. You will raise a headstrong baby who could grow up to be anything he/she wants.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on keeping track of this pregnancy. I know you will do the same with your babe's life -- and that he/she will treasure that forever.
And for you and your adult children, keep track of all the memories -- good and bad, so they can learn and grow from your inner thoughts.
Not: I am not a mother yet. I have no room to talk, other than my many observances, and wishing that my mom had kept a journal while she was pregnant
Jenna, I have no words of wisdom for you but am thinking of you and wishing you so much strength as you enter into this awesome phase of your life! I can't wait to hear (and see!) all about it. Sending you lots of love from Maryland!
ReplyDelete"The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new." ~Rajneesh
ReplyDeleteJenna, I wish for you strength, calm, and peace as you become a mom. God is watching out for you during this time :)
Jenna,
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired so many people with your blog! Take care of yourself during labor and remember so very soon you'll be meeting your little one!
Congratulations!
--Marissa C
Love to you Jenna, sending many blessings your way on the start of the new stage of your family...
ReplyDeleteI am not yet a mother, but I am the oldest of five children, and a special needs teacher. Something I have found invaluable is remembering that children are little adults. Thusly, they should be treated with the same respect, always. Even when they paint your walls bright green, or ask "why" 50 million times. You are the key to their success, and I wish you the best as you bring this child into the world, and raise him or her. You will be a fabulous mother. I have no doubts.
ReplyDeleteSending some more Maryland love :) Wishing you all of the best as you and your family transition into this next phase of life. Can't wait to hear all about it!
ReplyDeleteDear Jenna,
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you're already so close. It's true, other people's pregnancies really do pass very quickly!
As you know, I had a wonderful birth experience. Like you, I planned for months to give birth at home. In my case we only took possession of that home three weeks before Talia arrived! But throughout that time, I instinctively visualised her birth in the very spot where it eventually happened. In fact, I am sitting barely a foot from that spot as I type this, and my baby is sleeping upstairs.
I want you to know that it was your pregnancy that inspired me to get my birth story out and published. I wanted you to read it. I know that despite the differences there is something very similar about how we approach life, and how we feel inside. And labour and birth are life in its most concentrated form. You will never be so alive. Look forward to it as a new experience and embrace it. And remember that there is no growth without pain.
I admire the faith you have in yourself, and I know that this is what will help you. You have researched and asked for suggestions for practical advice and you could not be better prepared. When the time comes, try not to worry too much about any of this. If you don't feel like baking the cake, don't bake the cake. Do what comes naturally to you at the time. Marvel in the wonder that this is the day your baby is coming, and whatever you do is the right thing, as long as you follow your instincts.
Pregnancy is the an amazing journey, but remember that birth is not the end but the beginning. The first weeks and months of your baby's life might include some very difficult moments. It will all pass too quickly, even the hard parts. Perform a mental 'zoom out,' as though you're looking at your life on Google maps! This hour, this day, is just a speck. Before you know it you will be looking back in wonder at the photos of your beautiful newborn, wondering how soon you might have another.
So much love and a huge hug, from one mama, one woman, to another.
Cate xoxo
Wishing you a safe, joyful labour and delivery experience. I hope you remember the many dreams and hopes you have for this little one now, and watch them come true over the years to come. This baby is coming into a world of love, faith and joy and they are very lucky to have you and TH as parents.
ReplyDeleteJenna,
ReplyDeleteI wish for you peace and strength. The journey you are about to go on is a hard but incredible one. May you be aware of the amazing power of your body, your love for your husband, and the sweetest joy of your baby's birth. You will be more in love with your husband than you ever thought possible. Breathe, and take in each moment, and let your body do what it needs to do. You may reach a point where you may not feel that you can do it, but rest assured, you can do it and will so with all the grace of nature.
You are a beautiful, strong, capable mother. May you feel God's blessing and love as he gifts you with the purest gift of life.
My husband and I haven't been blessed with a baby yet, but I've enjoyed reading about your journey and I know you will be a wonderful mother. Sending happy thoughts and prayers your way from Utah!
ReplyDeleteJenna, although I have not yet become a mom I still wanted to contribute to your mothers blessing. Remember, you'll only get to experience "finally becoming a mother" once. Be sure to soak it all in and remember how truly blessed you are. Even if you have more children down the road, your first experience will always leave a strong impression in your mind. I hope your family has everything they ever want and need. Congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to wish you the best of luck with the birth of your baby. I hope it all goes as smoothly and to plan as possible and I look forward to reading all about it when the time comes.
ReplyDeleteNot a mother and may not ever be a mother but please know that if and when my turn comes it will be you and Cate and one or two others that will have inspired me to consider any other kind of birth than one in a hospital. (I may not have a home birth but I had never even considered it as an option before reading your blogs).
Sending you love and hugs from England. Am thinking of you as April comes and look forward to hearing the news when it is time.
Rachel xoxo
God created your body to do this. Women have been doing this for a long long time. You can and WILL do this!
ReplyDeleteMia and I are sending you and TH lots of love. And big hugs. And can we come visit you and hold that baby? Dont mind me.....you know i always just invite myself anywhere.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, I am so excited for you. I think motherhood will look so good on you. I remember when we had dinner in Vegas last year and I was pregnant and you just couldn't wait to have a baby...seems like so long ago!
I know we all have lots of internet friends (50 year old men), but I really do feel some sort of connection to you like you're my little sister or something...and I genuinely feel excited, thrilled and happy for you right now.
Get some rest.
Your entire life has been preparation for this moment. The moment when God gives you a child of his to protect, to nurture and to raise up right. For the last year, you have carefully thought through each and every decision, focused on giving baby the best physical start possible. Unknowingly you have also giving him/her the best emotional, spiritual, and mental start too. Two parents who are so focused on their God and their family is the very best gift possible.
ReplyDeleteI know that there are neighsayers who will tell you it is too "hard" to give birth at home, or without pain killers. here is what i know- I had both of my children in the hospital with tubes and tests and beeps... that was not condusive to peace and joy. Concentrate on the joy that you are experiencing, and the release of pressure and the delivery will happen on its own.
Congratulations on the most important calling God has bestowed on you,
April
Oh Jenna! I'm just bursting with happiness knowing that when you read this you will be beginning the journey to your child's birthday! You are a strong, intelligent, beautiful, talented, and kind woman and I am so happy for your child, who will be born so very soon, that they will be raised in such a loving home with such a wonderful mother and father. I can't really imagine what you are going through right now - but I do try to - because I long to be pregnant as I know you once did. When I imagine it, I imagine that your mind and your body are in a marathon right now, your muscles are fatigued, it is hard to focus your concentration - but remember you didn't begin this marathon today, it actually began before you and TH even met. You have been laying the ground work to prepare a loving home for your new child long before you even met TH. You've been building yourself into the strong, introspective, loving person that is about to become a mother, for a very long time. But now you are in the final mile of the marathon and you have the best reward, the best moment, waiting for you at the finish line. And the song I imagine in your ipod headphones as you get closer and closer to the moment you meet your child... (a lullaby my mother sang me - borrowed from The Carpenters):
ReplyDeleteOn the day that you were born the angels got together, and decided to create a dream come true.
So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair, and golden starlight in your eyes of blue... (piano). That is why, all the folks in town, follow you, all around. Just like me, they long to be, close to you.
And so soon you will be close to your precious, beloved baby. So, so, soon!! xoxox Erin
I've given it a lot of thought, but I guess the best I could contribute is my hope that you will simply let go and allow your body to do what it needs to do. There is so much uncertainty and unknown as you enter labor, don't try and control it... your body has never experienced this before but it knows what to do. Trust it, trust yourself.
ReplyDeleteMotherhood is an amazing adventure. It is difficult and yet so wonderful. You will be great at it. Don't worry about perfection, simply try to do your best, give your all, and live with no regrets.
You are one of many who will walk this path. You are never alone. There is, and will always be, someone who has experienced something similar. There is strength in numbers... and there are endless mothers in the world around you. If ever you feel overwhelmed just remember that they are here to help you and give you strength.
I hope you feel that strength as you labor and at all the difficult times in mothering.
I am not a mother but hope to be one in the future. What I wish for you ia a beautiful birth, at home, exactly as you wish it to be. I pray for it to be a wonderful moment where you are surrounded in love and happiness as you bring your child into the world. I do not know you but I know your child will be loved, will be cared for and will be cherished. I wish you and TH the best and I wish for a wonderful birth for That1!
ReplyDelete