In my work with women in pregnancy, labor, and postpartum the emotions that come in these moments are inevitable parts of the conversation. And it is ok. I've been there. I hear you. And I'm so glad they never went away...
My latest essay is about the messages women are battling throughout life, and then come up against again when they are going though an incredible period of change. Life as a parent.
The horrible revelation of what what happening in pregnancy:
"Growing up, girls are taught to mistrust their feelings and are shamed for being "emotional." And after years of practice of keeping things locked up, having my emotions betray me openly without a moment's notice was not comfortable. I was becoming my worst nightmare -- an emotional woman."
How embarrassing. The feelings would not get off of my face. Be them tears, anger, frustration, any filter I used to have was gone. But so were some of the blinders...
Authored by A Swift Doula