Autumn is always a poignant time for me as there are two anniversaries of me becoming a mother - my children's birthdays.
This is a rare photo of me pregnant with my son, not yet crossed the threshold into motherhood, held between in that space of expanding and contracting.
My heart opening, my body softening, my soul longing for safety and security.
As I turn my thoughts today to my exciting reformulation of my birth preparation course, I wonder, what advice would I give to my budding mother self?
I would want her to know that she will birth beautifully.
That it is okay to just spend all day in bed with your baby.
That she doesn't have to know it all straight away.
That her life would get bigger, not smaller.
I would tell her to claim her time for herself, that staying at home to raise your children is seen by some as a luxury but it means you need a break even more.
Ask for a break.
I would want her to know that children are not there to be a reflection of your values walking in the world, they are their own people with their own needs, tastes and interests. Release them.
That birth would shatter me in the best way possible.
What advice would you give to your maiden self?
