As I prepare for the birth of my first child, I am realizing how important it is to be surrounded by like-minded, supportive people (which seems obvious, but it really just occurred to me on a profound level!). I have read lots of books, scoured the internet for information, and joined pregnancy newsletters. I have developed ideas and beliefs about birth that I didn’t have pre-pregnancy.
I want to be so involved and pro-active in the delivery and birth process, so I am seeking out as much information as I can. This weekend, my husband and I went to childbirth preparation class at a yoga studio that I found online. Here is where the obvious statement of my first sentence hit me profoundly. This class was perfect for me! I practice yoga (not quite as regularly as I’d like…) and am a big believer in the mind-body connection it encourages. The instructor spoke about relaxation, breathing, movement and touch. Connecting these ideas to giving birth makes so much sense to me. I loved every minute it of it. To top off the experience, at the end of the workshop our instructor promptly tandem breastfed her 15 month old twins. Amazing!
I have just arrived in a new city. I am lucky to know quite a few people already, but I don’t know any pregnant or new moms. I don’t know anyone who desires the same kind of birth I do and I don’t know anyone currently breastfeeding. To achieve my birth and breastfeeding goals, I see many a mom’s groups and la leche league meetings in my future! I need some mom friends…
Where did you find a group of supportive, like-minded women? Did they help shape your perspective of parenting?
