This experience of planning, purging, packing, and heading off for an adventure has been a lot like pregnancy. First, there are the ups and downs of will-it-happen-or-not, then the excitement of it’s-really-happening mixed with the stress of there’s-too-much-to-do and how-will-I-do-this. And finally the emotional and physical strain during the final days before birth.
For the last couple of weeks I’ve definitely been in the Transition phase of our Mexico journey, which in labor and delivery terms is the time after hours (or days) of labor and before the final phase of birth. It’s the toughest time for a mother, when the fear and exhaustion threaten to get the best of her and she wants to turn back but it’s a little late for that. Some of the signs of Transition are loss of modesty, irritability, loss of resolve, need for emotional support, feeling out of control, and self-doubt. Yup – I’ve been in Transition.
It’s been a while since I’ve had a baby, so I looked up some tips for getting through it:
What you might do:
- Change Positions Frequently
- Focus Your Mind on the Present
- Use Water
- Get on Hands and Knees
- Remember to Breathe
- Use Visualization
- Focus on the Baby
What your birth companion might do:
- Cold Compresses
- Massage Techniques
- Emotional Encouragement
- Cue Phrases
- Tell Her She’s Almost Done
- Keep Her Focused on the Present
- Keep Her Environment Calm and Quiet
- Whisper Affirmations
Last week, Sherry – my BFF of almost 30 years, called to see if she could come to visit for a few days to help. She was not the first person to offer help – many others have asked what I needed and of course I said I was all set. It was the truth…I didn’t really feel like I NEEDED anything, but the idea of plowing through the last days of Transition with Sherry sounded a lot like a party, and I do love a party. She has been a big help with the final preparations on the house, but has also been instrumental in helping me decide which last-minute to-dos should go on the F*ck-it List. Let’s just say there’s a large pile of bins in the basement that will need our attention next summer.
12 days left! Time to push!