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. 

Our Bodies Rock!

The way God created human bodies never ceases to fascinate me. We are so intricate, so complex, and our bodies do amazing things, from growing to digesting food to breathing... everything has to be just so in order for it all to keep going.

(photo source)

Another facet of our remarkable bodies came to my attention as I was reading through "Real Food for Mother and Baby" by Nina Planck. She discusses the various aspects of breastmilk and details the immunity factors it possesses. She writes and I quote: 

The immunity breast milk provides is tailored, reflecting the unique ecology you and your baby share. Within hours of encountering a pathogen, you produce antibodies which you pass to your baby through your milk. That's why it's natural for mothers to nuzzle, rub, kiss, and even lick their babies. You gather her germs with your mouth and skin, so that your breasts can make the antibodies she needs. 

How incredible is that!?!?! I did know this before --check out this article--but still, reading this just blew me away again.

Our bodies are capable of growing a baby from 2 microscopic organisms and nourishing that baby with our breasts. It's awe-inspiring.

Great Birth Quotes

I was browsing birth quotes today and thought I would share them with you. Enjoy! 

“Many Western doctors hold the belief that we can improve everything, even natural childbirth in a healthy woman. This philosophy is the philosophy of people who think it deplorable that they were not consulted at the creation of Eve, because they would have done a better job.” - Kloosterman (ha ha!)

"In the sheltered simplicity of the first days after a baby is born, one sees again the magical closed circle, the miraculous sense of two people existing only for each other.” - Anne Morrow Lindbergh

“Giving birth entails enabling the mother rather than the persons in attendance to be central to the arrival of her child. Even when the arrival, as is sometimes true, must be effected surgically.” - Ruth W. Lubic

“To witness the birth of a child is our best opportunity to experience the meaning of the word miracle.” - Paul Carvel

"You do not need a vaginal exam to have a baby. I am serious. They will still come out." - Mama Birth

“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” - Elizabeth Stone

“Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers ~ strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength.” - Barbara Katz Rothman

“Birth is the sudden opening of a window, through which you look out upon a stupendous prospect. For what has happened? A miracle. You have exchanged nothing for the possibility of everything.” - William Dixon

“We know that birth takes a woman from one place in her life to another. The birth of a child certainly does change her viewpoint of herself and I believe her viewpoint of the world.” - Samerrah Shareef

“Call it "womb awe" or even "womb worship" but it's not simple envy. I don't remember even wanting to be a woman. But each of the three times I have been present at the birth of one of my children, I have been overwhelmed by a sense of reverence... It was quite suddenly, the first day of creation; the Goddess giving birth to a world... Like men since the beginning of time I wondered: What can I ever create that will equal the magnificence of this new life?” - Sam Keen

“Babies are bits of star-dust blown from the hand of God. Lucky the woman who knows the pangs of birth for she has held a star.” - Larry Barretto

“Of all the joys that lighten suffering earth, what joy is welcomed like a new-born child?” - Caroline Norton

“Birth is an experience that demonstrates that life is not merely function and utility, but form and beauty.” - Christopher Largen

“People are giving birth underwater now. They say it's less traumatic for the baby because it's in water. But certainly more traumatic for the other people in the pool.” - Elaine Boosler

“We've put birth in the same category with illness and disease and it's never belonged there. Birth is naturally safe, but we've allowed it to be taken over by the medical community.” - Carla Hartley