August 13, 2019
“Parenting was much easier when I was raising my non-existent kid hypothetically.”
Tag: Parenting
What to Expect When You Tell People You’re Having a C-Section
August 11, 2019
Going in for delivery of my first child was terrifying. I didn’t know what I was doing; had only vague descriptions of labor pains and ‘usual’ procedures and breathing techniques. I knew the only way I would be able to learn was by what seemed a literal trial by fire.
I wasn’t far off. Ouch.
The second time in the stirrups, I determined, would not be so out-of-control. I was a seasoned mother, after all, and knew what to expect and what I wanted. I therefore began seeing a midwife at a birthing center. I felt this was a good step down from hospitals without going full home birth.
Problem is, my second pregnancy had a complication no one but the negligent ultrasound technician knew about …until I passed a blood clot at 28 weeks. Within a few, short days I learned all I could about placenta previas. Within the ensuing weeks I learned that I would have to deliver at a hospital. In fact, I would require a Cesarean Section.
I spent a few weeks on bed rest, which did little to stop the placenta from bleeding. I ultimately checked into the hospital full time and delivered shortly after 31 weeks.
The bad news didn’t stop there, in terms of pregnancy plans. Due to the position of the placenta’s major blood vessels, the performing surgeon opted for a classical (logitudinal) cut. I would, forevermore, require a C-Section for any children I grew.
This has led to a handful of judgmental questions in my ensuing pregnancies. No, no one else chooses how I deliver. But; yes, particularly during the rash of natural birth methods, my announcement of a schedule C-Section elicited concern.
“Did you know <insert terrible statistic> happens in <this percentage> of deliveries?”
“You’re choosing to do a C-Section? There are other options out there that <have this holistic benefit>.”
“But I read that <this awful thing> happens to the baby and <this slightly less awful thing> happens to the mother when you have surgery instead of a natural, at home birth surrounded by family and a only a doula to interfere…”
Over time, people have gotten better about comments. Or, I live around older women who are prone to more complications that often lead to surgery. Or, I’m never the glowy sort of pregnant woman and I look like I might punch someone who mentions it again.
Whatever the reason, I know the answers to the nosy questions:
Since we were planning a natural birth, I know the statistics surrounding ‘medical intervention.’
I know there are other options out there, but they’re not for me unless I want a ruptured uterus.
And I know that I may not be able to bond with my child through a beautiful water ceremony after which I eat the placenta and therefore form a permanent, circular bond with him.
Most of all, I KNOW that the most important part of delivery is getting a whole and complete child into the world with as few complications as possible. If I’ve selected the best hospital and birthing team we can afford, know what procedures to anticipate, and am willing to advocate for safely ‘holistic’ things like breastfeeding and skin-to-skin; I’ll be just fine.
And, frankly, it’s none of their damn business anyhow.
—————
Sunday, August 4: “The Top Ten Reasons Why Being Pregnant is Awesome.” Pretty self-explanatory, really.
Monday, August 5: A sentimental poem, “Five Minutes Later.”
Tuesday, August 6: Shared a quote by Kevin Heath.
Wednesday, August 7: Talked food storage in Food Tip 8.
Thursday, August 8: “Making a Muddy Mess,” a snippet about children enjoying life.
Friday, August 9: Advocated doing something with those printed words in “Books Around the House.”
Saturday, August 10: Shared Marcy G‘s tweet about toddler angst.
Sunday, August 11: That’s today!
Photo Credits:
Sharon McCutcheon
Sharon McCutcheon
Patricia Prudente
©2019 Chelsea Owens
Books Around the House
August 9, 2019
I remember the positive furor Dr. Ben Carson caused when he told the world about his mother. Seeing that rich people had books in the houses she cleaned for money, she came home and told her boys the TV was going off and books were coming in. Dr. Carson has since advocated and promoted literacy and reading in his political platforms.
Which is just great, when applied appropriately.
After Tad R. Callister quoted Dr. Carson’s story in an LDS talk, I heard mother after teacher after grandmother talking about how they were going to purchase more books for their shelves. Surely the presence of reading materials would encourage children and grandchildren to pick them up. Surely their offspring would grow to be neurosurgeons and members of the presidential cabinet.
Right?
I happen to be “a reader.” My children are as well. Their teachers and administrators have commented on that quality. One administrator even said, “Your boys read. You can’t teach that.”
Which is my main point, today. Having books on the shelves does nothing if you don’t pull them down. With every. single. one of my children, I have demonstrated what books do; what they contain. I’ve read to them. Sure, I’m not consistent. Each boy has had even less time with me than the one before.
But I try. Reading Ramona the Pest once a week(ish) is still better than my five-year-old thinking that staring at a phone at night is the only form of entertainment around.
Showing them that I read on my own has demonstrated that adults read, too. It’s the cool thing to do! I share things with them and discuss ideas or characters from the stories. I attend book group and have brought the older ones along.
Dr. Carson said his mother insisted they do two book reports a week. I’ve had mine do a report occasionally, but not often. Books need to be fun and not a chore.
So, moms and instructors and grandmas: pay attention. If you actually want a neurosurgeon, you’d better start practicing your own literacy. At least start practicing funny voices for the characters.
Photo Credit:
Robyn Budlender
Ben White
Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
©2019 Chelsea Owens
Inspirational Quote 20
August 6, 2019
“Kids are like a mirror, what they see and hear they do. Be a good reflection for them.”
-Kevin Heath
Five Minutes Later
August 5, 2019
Why did I run the load today
When, five minutes later
They’ve come in from play?
Why did I put their cup in the sink
When, five minutes later
They want more to drink?
Why did I have them brush for bed
When, five minutes later
They’re eating some bread?
Why did I make them? I sigh and shrug.
Five minutes later,
One gives me a hug.
Photo Credit:
Magdalena Smolnicka
©2019 Chelsea Owens
