The Beginning.. It Matters

"The beginning is the most important part, especially in the case of a young and tender thing; for that is the time at which the character is being formed." ~ Plato

I saw this quote in a book yesterday called "Sleeping Beauties", next to a picture of a darling sleeping baby. It really hit home to me, because it is so true that beginnings matter. 

Pregnancy matters - it starts the bond between a mother and child and is the time in which a child's physical and emotional genesis occurs. Foods, stress, and the fetus' experience inside the womb shapes who they become. (See the book "Origins") 

Birth matters - it affects the mother, child, and family so greatly as to even make a lifetime impression. A peaceful and undisturbed birth can give a mother such empowerment, satisfaction, and confidence. A traumatic birth can hurt and leave scars for a very long time. (I know, I've been there!) We don't know exactly how birth affects babies but we know it does. We know it can affect their health for the rest of their lives (the colonization of good bacteria in a vaginal birthed baby). We know it can affect the breastfeeding relationship, which also has a lifelong affect on health (for both mother and baby!). I believe too, that even though babies can't "remember" being born, we carry it with us long past the following days, weeks, and months. It matters. 

The postpartum period matters - It is the time in which families bond and gel together. It is when the mother and baby learn each other and work together for the baby's survival (think breastfeeding, nurturing, touch, love). It is when the baby learns to trust his parents. It is when the parents learn to trust themselves and listen to their instincts. A peaceful, calm environment can make all the difference in a mother or fathers sense of confidence in caring for their child. Helpful loving support can make all the difference in a successful breastfeeding relationship and reduced risk of postpartum depression. It matters. 

It all matters. Cherish these moments. Get the support you need and deserve. Be educated on your choices and rights and beliefs about how you want to birth and care for your child. Don't let these beginnings go by without being conscious of how precious and fleeting this time is, because it matters.