I am 43 years old with 2 adult children, 20 and 18. This past weekend I was asked by another woman if I was expecting. I lowered my head, rubbed by belly, giggled softly and said “no ma’am that is my 18 year postpartum belly.” The photo attached to this article is my current physique.
I have been a competitive athlete all my life. I still work out like I am in my 20s. Yes! I still have a little pooch to my lower abdomen. It’s the extra skin, with my beautiful stretch marks to remind me that I provided a very warm, cozy, noisy, loving home to two “big babies” for 9 months. They loved their womb home so much, they grew a nice chunky 9lb 8ozs and 9lbs 14ozs. They were both born vaginally I might add.
Who else has been asked “Are you expecting/” and you aren’t? This question can frustrate some people or be an embarrassment, but for me it gave me a giggle and I found it flattering. Made me feel good that she thought I was young enough to be in my child bearing years. I know at 43, I am at the far end of the child bearing years and if I were PG; I would have those horrible labels attached to my name… “geriatric pregnancy”, “advanced maternal aged” or “high risk pregnancy.” I have had several doula clients have amazing all-natural births in their 40s. It was just their time to grow their family.
Anyway, if you are truly expecting and you desire an all-natural birth, I have a workshop you are going to want to attend called TRAIN FOR BIRTH in Fort Worth, Texas. This monthly workshop is to train you to endure the throes of labor. Simple stretches, movements, positions and mental birth zone training that will help you prepare for active labor and transition. You need to be 34+ weeks gestation to attend. For more details and registration go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/train-for-birth-tickets-59144433593 or FB events section @serenitylifedoula.
Want more education? How about TRAIN FOR 10 CENTIMETERS event on Saturday, June 8th in Arlington, Texas. Learn your birth and postpartum options in the state of Texas. Great event for expecting couples or couples planning to start a family. This event will be 9am-4pm and will bring about better birthing experiences! We will train for birth, feed you lunch, train for postpartum, have swag bags for mommas and prizes from sponsors!! You are NOT going to want to miss this event!! For more details and registration go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/train-for-10-centimeters-tickets-58040737408 or FB events section @serenitylifedoula.
Healthy Mommy, Healthy Baby, Labor On!
Doula Krisha