It may seem that the small, private experience of giving birth would hardly make much of a difference in the world. Yet, this whole period in a woman’s life has an important effect on her as a mother and on the kind of woman that she will emerge from all of this as.
This entire time, particularly the moments surrounding the birth of her child, is very significant in the life of a woman. It is one that she remembers forever. It will play an important role in her concept of herself, and even in how powerful and capable she feels in a great many other aspects of her life. As insignificant as she may sometimes feel, the incalculable difference for good or for ill that one woman makes in the world should not be underestimated—particularly by herself.
When you are old, and far past your childbearing years, what will your memories of this time be? What kind of stories will you pass on to your granddaughters; the women of the future? Will you be one of those strangers on the bus that, even with good intentions, fills young women’s minds with horror stories that make childbirth seem the most horrific experience possible? Or will you be speaking with misty eyes to your posterity one day about the beautiful, sacred events that brought your children to you?
No matter how many times you give birth, this birth will become a part of you and it will be something you will remember in detail,
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It may seem that
the small, private
experience
of giving birth would
hardly make much
of a difference in the
world…
forever. How you do it will make a difference. Many women only get one or two chances ever, to do it.
What if your baby’s birth really can be one of the most wonderful, beautiful, exhilarating experiences of your life? Are you willing to give what it takes?
(Adapted from Wise Childbearing, What You’ll Want to Know As You Make Your Birth Choices by Jennetta Billhimer.)
